ISCO-08 8312
Railway brake, signal and switch operators
23.1%
ADI · 278th of 433 · 95% interval 10.1–37.5
An AI agent can at least partly carry out 23.1% of the task time of railway brake, signal and switch operators, and finish 0.0% alone. The barrier that holds most of the rest back is access to the systems the work runs on.
ADI · partial or full23.1%
278th of 433 · interval 10.1–37.5
ADI3 · full delegation0.0%
201st of 433 · interval 0.0–0.0
ADIs · share of time24.1%
280th of 433 · interval 17.8–30.7
Evidence87
task statements rated by two models and weighted by importance and frequency. World employment: 0.5 million.
Task weight by level
How the tasks rate
L0No meaningful role · 42.5%L1Augmentation · 34.4%L2Partial delegation · 23.1%L3Full delegation · 0.0%
Barriers
What stops the agent
Share of task weight flagged by each barrier; a task can carry several.
87 task statements, heaviest first
| Task statement (O*NET occupation) | Sonnet · Haiku | Barriers | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Signal engineers to begin train runs, stop trains, or change speed, using telecommunications equipment or hand signals.Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | 4.3% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 2 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Confer with engineers regarding train routes, timetables, and cargoes, and to discuss alternative routes when there are rail defects or obstructions.Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | 3.8% | L1 | L1L2 | 30% | 18 min | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Direct and instruct workers engaged in yard activities, such as switching tracks, coupling and uncoupling cars, and routing inbound and outbound traffic.Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | 3.8% | L1 | L1L1 | 20% | 2.4 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Keep records of the contents and destination of each train car, and make sure that cars are added or removed at proper points on routes.Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | 3.5% | L2 | L2L2 | 52% | 1.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Receive information regarding train or rail problems from dispatchers or from electronic monitoring devices.Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | 3.5% | L2 | L2L2 | 52% | 8 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Receive instructions from dispatchers regarding trains' routes, timetables, and cargoes.Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | 3.5% | L1 | L1L2 | 28% | 10 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Observe yard traffic to determine tracks available to accommodate inbound and outbound traffic.Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters · supplemental task | 3.4% | L1 | L1L2 | 38% | 20 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Operate controls to activate track switches and traffic signals.Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | 3.3% | L0 | L1L0 | 10% | 4 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Review schedules, switching orders, way bills, and shipping records to obtain cargo loading and unloading information and to plan work.Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | 3.3% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 52 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Confirm routes and destination information for freight cars.Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | 3.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 60% | 20 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Supervise and coordinate crew activities to transport freight and passengers and to provide boarding, porter, maid, and meal services to passengers.Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters · supplemental task | 3.2% | L1 | L1L1 | 18% | 6.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Direct engineers to move cars to fit planned train configurations, combining or separating cars to make up or break up trains.Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | 3.1% | L1 | L1L1 | 18% | 45 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Verify accuracy of timekeeping instruments with engineers to ensure trains depart on time.Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | 3.0% | L0 | L0L0 | 5% | 8 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Record departure and arrival times, messages, tickets and revenue collected, and passenger accommodations and destinations.Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters · supplemental task | 3.0% | L2 | L2L2 | 50% | 22 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Inspect each car periodically during runs.Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | 2.9% | L0 | L0L0 | 5% | 20 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
Show the other 72 tasks
| Task statement (O*NET occupation) | Sonnet · Haiku | Barriers | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supervise workers in the inspection and maintenance of mechanical equipment to ensure efficient and safe train operation.Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters · supplemental task | 2.9% | L1 | L1L1 | 20% | 1.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Document and prepare reports of accidents, unscheduled stops, or delays.Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | 2.6% | L2 | L2L2 | 58% | 45 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Arrange for the removal of defective cars from trains at stations or stops.Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | 2.6% | L1 | L1L2 | 30% | 42 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Inspect freight cars for compliance with sealing procedures, and record car numbers and seal numbers.Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters · supplemental task | 2.2% | L0 | L0L1 | 12% | 18 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Observe train signals along routes and verify their meanings for engineers.Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | 1.8% | L0 | L0L0 | 6% | 10 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Instruct workers to set warning signals in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops.Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters · supplemental task | 1.8% | L1 | L1L1 | 20% | 8 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars, using hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication.Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | 1.8% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 5 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Observe tracks from left sides of locomotives to detect obstructions on tracks.Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | 1.7% | L0 | L0L0 | 5% | 4.3 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Pull or push track switches to reroute cars.Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | 1.6% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 4 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Raise levers to couple and uncouple cars for makeup and breakup of trains.Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | 1.6% | L0 | L0L0 | 3% | 6 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Monitor trains as they go around curves to detect dragging equipment and smoking journal boxes.Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | 1.6% | L0 | L0L0 | 6% | 18 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Observe signals from other crew members so that work activities can be coordinated.Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | 1.6% | L0 | L0L0 | 2% | 5 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Operate and drive locomotives, diesel switch engines, dinkey engines, flatcars, and railcars in train yards and at industrial sites.Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers · supplemental task | 1.6% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 2.4 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are securely fastened and functioning properly.Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | 1.6% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 18 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Receive oral or written instructions from yardmasters or yard conductors indicating track assignments and cars to be switched.Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | 1.5% | L1 | L1L1 | 22% | 10 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Climb ladders to tops of cars to set brakes.Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | 1.4% | L0 | L0L0 | 1% | 6 min | Physical presence, Accountability |
| Monitor oil, temperature, and pressure gauges on dashboards to determine if engines are operating safely and efficiently.Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | 1.4% | L1 | L1L2 | 38% | 22 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Check to see that trains are equipped with supplies such as fuel, water, and sand.Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | 1.2% | L1 | L1L1 | 12% | 20 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Inspect locomotives to detect damaged or worn parts.Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | 1.2% | L0 | L0L1 | 12% | 45 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Signal other workers to set brakes and to throw track switches when switching cars from trains to way stations.Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | 1.2% | L0 | L0L0 | 6% | 12 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Inspect tracks, cars, and engines for defects and to determine service needs, sending engines and cars for repairs as necessary.Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | 1.1% | L0 | L0L1 | 16% | 38 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers · supplemental task | 1.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 62% | 22 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Conduct brake tests to determine the condition of brakes on trains.Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers · supplemental task | 0.9% | L0 | L0L1 | 6% | 38 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Ride atop cars that have been shunted, and turn handwheels to control speeds or stop cars at specified positions.Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers · supplemental task | 0.9% | L0 | L0L0 | 2% | 18 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Refuel and lubricate engines.Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers · supplemental task | 0.9% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 45 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Start diesel engines to warm engines before runs.Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | 0.8% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 12 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Operate locomotives in emergency situations.Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | 0.8% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 25 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Provide passengers with assistance entering and exiting trains.Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers · supplemental task | 0.6% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 8 min | Physical presence, Trust and care |
| Make minor repairs to couplings, air hoses, and journal boxes, using hand tools.Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | 0.6% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 30 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Connect air hoses to cars, using wrenches.Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | 0.5% | L0 | L0L0 | 0% | 2 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Set flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops to warn oncoming trains.Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | 0.4% | L0 | L0L0 | 2% | 15 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Enforce safety rules and regulations.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators | 0.2% | L1 | L1L2 | 25% | 45 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Confer with customers, supervisors, contractors, or other personnel to exchange information or to resolve problems.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators | 0.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 45% | 25 min | Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Resolve worker problems or collaborate with employees to assist in problem resolution.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators | 0.2% | L1 | L1L2 | 30% | 25 min | Physical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Plan work assignments and equipment allocations to meet transportation, operations or production goals.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators | 0.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 58% | 1.3 h | Access to systems |
| Review orders, production schedules, blueprints, or shipping or receiving notices to determine work sequences and material shipping dates, types, volumes, or destinations.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators | 0.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 45 min | Access to systems |
| Drive vehicles or operate machines or equipment to complete work assignments or to assist workers.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators | 0.2% | L0 | L0L0 | 2% | 3.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Interpret transportation or tariff regulations, shipping orders, safety regulations, or company policies and procedures for workers.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators | 0.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 60% | 32 min | Accountability, Trust and care |
| Examine, measure, or weigh cargo or materials to determine specific handling requirements.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators | 0.2% | L1 | L1L1 | 20% | 18 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Monitor field work to ensure proper performance and use of materials.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators | 0.2% | L1 | L1L2 | 32% | 1.3 h | Physical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Maintain or verify records of time, materials, expenditures, or crew activities.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators | 0.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 60% | 38 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Inspect or test materials, stock, vehicles, equipment, or facilities to ensure that they are safe, free of defects, and consistent with specifications.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators | 0.2% | L1 | L1L2 | 30% | 45 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Dispatch personnel and vehicles in response to telephone or radio reports of emergencies.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators | 0.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 48% | 8 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Compute or estimate cash, payroll, transportation, personnel, or storage requirements.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators · supplemental task | 0.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 68% | 1.3 h | Access to systems |
| Plan and establish schedules.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators · supplemental task | 0.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 62% | 1.8 h | Access to systems |
| Direct workers in transportation or related services, such as pumping, moving, storing, or loading or unloading of materials.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators · supplemental task | 0.2% | L1 | L1L2 | 32% | 2.3 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Assist workers in tasks, such as loading vehicles.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators · supplemental task | 0.2% | L0 | L0L2 | 19% | 30 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Requisition needed personnel, supplies, equipment, parts, or repair services.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators | 0.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 62% | 38 min | Access to systems |
| Explain and demonstrate work tasks to new workers or assign training tasks to experienced workers.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators | 0.1% | L1 | L1L2 | 28% | 1.3 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Perform or schedule repairs or preventive maintenance of vehicles or other equipment.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators · supplemental task | 0.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 42% | 1.3 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Prepare, compile, and submit reports on work activities, operations, production, or work-related accidents.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators | 0.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 68% | 52 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Recommend and implement measures to improve worker motivation, equipment performance, work methods, or customer services.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators | 0.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 45% | 3.3 h | Physical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Recommend or implement personnel actions, such as employee selection, evaluation, rewards, or disciplinary actions.First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators | 0.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 55% | 1.5 h | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Enforce safety rules and regulations.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L1 | L1L2 | 30% | 1.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Explain and demonstrate work tasks to new workers or assign training tasks to experienced workers.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L1 | L1L2 | 32% | 1.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care |
| Analyze and record personnel or operational data and write related activity reports.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 70% | 1.5 h | Access to systems |
| Inform workers about interests or special needs of specific groups.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 60% | 30 min | Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Inspect materials, stock, vehicles, equipment, or facilities to ensure that they are safe, free of defects, and consistent with specifications.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L1 | L1L1 | 20% | 45 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Inspect work areas or operating equipment to ensure conformance to established standards in areas such as cleanliness or maintenance.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L1 | L1L1 | 15% | 35 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Meet with managers or other supervisors to stay informed of changes affecting operations.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L1 | L1L2 | 28% | 52 min | Physical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Observe and evaluate workers' appearance and performance to ensure quality service and compliance with specifications.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L1 | L1L1 | 22% | 1.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Participate in continuing education to stay abreast of industry trends and developments.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L1 | L1L2 | 50% | 1.8 h | – |
| Recommend and implement measures to improve worker motivation, work methods, or customer services.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L1 | L1L2 | 42% | 3.5 h | Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Recruit and hire staff members.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 58% | 6.0 h | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Requisition necessary supplies, equipment, or services.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 62% | 38 min | Access to systems |
| Resolve customer complaints regarding worker performance or services rendered.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 52% | 35 min | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Take disciplinary action to address performance problems.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L1 | L1L2 | 38% | 1.5 h | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Train workers in proper operational procedures and functions and explain company policies.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L1 | L1L2 | 42% | 1.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care |
| Direct or coordinate the activities of workers, such as flight or car attendants.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L1 | L1L2 | 30% | 4.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Confer with customers, supervisors, contractors, or other personnel to exchange information or to resolve problems.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 42% | 25 min | Physical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Compute or estimate cash, payroll, transportation, or personnel requirements.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 68% | 1.0 h | Access to systems |
| Apply customer feedback to service improvement efforts.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task | 0.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 58% | 2.0 h | Trust and care, Access to systems |
Level: consensus of the two models (the lower level when they disagree). Share: part of the task’s working time an agent could take over. Human time: minutes a competent person needs for one instance, as estimated by the models.
Against other measures
Exposure is not delegation
| Measure | Value | Percentile | Pct |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADI (this index) | 23.1% | 36 | |
| Eloundou et al. (2024), GPT exposure β | 0.261 | 43 | |
| Felten et al. (2021), AI occupational exposure | -0.57 | 37 | |
| Webb (2020), AI patent exposure | 49.933 | 39 | |
| Eisfeldt et al. (2026), generative AI exposure | 0.16 | 49 | |
| Anthropic Economic Index, observed use | 0 | 16 |
Earlier indices measure whether AI can touch a task; ADI measures how much of it an agent can carry out from a goal. – : the source does not cover this occupation.
Same sub-major group (83)
Neighbouring occupations
| Occupation | ADI | % |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle drivers 8321 | 39.2 | |
| Heavy truck and lorry drivers 8332 | 21.6 | |
| Bus and tram drivers 8331 | 14.1 | |
| Crane, hoist and related plant operators 8343 | 13.1 | |
| Car, taxi and van drivers 8322 | 12.6 | |
| Mobile farm and forestry plant operators 8341 | 11.8 | |
| Locomotive engine drivers 8311 | 9.8 | |
| Ships’ deck crews and related workers 8350 | 5.7 | |
| Lifting truck operators 8344 | 4.2 | |
| Earthmoving and related plant operators 8342 | 1.8 |
Dashed line: railway brake, signal and switch operators (23.1%).
Cite this record
Text
Espinal Maya, Cristian, and Santiago Jiménez Londoño. 2026. ADI v2026.1: Agent Delegability Index data, code and MCP server. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23552918. Record: Railway brake, signal and switch operators (ISCO-08 8312), https://balamlabs.org/adi/occupations/8312
BibTeX
@misc{espinal2026adidata,
title = {{ADI} v2026.1: Agent Delegability Index data, code and {MCP} server},
author = {Espinal Maya, Cristian and Jim{\'e}nez Londo{\~n}o, Santiago},
year = {2026},
publisher = {Zenodo},
version = {v2026.1},
doi = {10.5281/zenodo.23552918},
url = {https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23552918},
note = {Record: Railway brake, signal and switch operators (ISCO-08 8312)}
}Machine-readable
The same record as static JSON, with its citation: /adi/v2026.1/isco/8312.json.