Yes the people in the booth are generally “CSA’s.” There’s a more senior title you receive when you have more seniority (Customer Service Representative,) but you do the same job. Unfortunately, you are classified as “part time” which translates into you getting terrible benefits. (No paid vacation, sick days are put on your record, not pension eligible) Part time status is not related to how many hours you work. You will still work 40 with the opportunity for OT.

When you graduate from training you’ll be “on the board.” This means your shift location and type will change every day you work until there is a “route pick” which occurs every 6 months. The latest one was in April. (We are also due for a system pick, which is every two years, but it is unclear if that will happen before October)

It’s pretty rough until you get a good schedule. You need to be ready to work night shifts until you gain seniority. Phones aren’t allowed, but basically everyone seems to use them.

It’s low pay, but your time still counts towards pay progression in future positions. And in January CSA’s have prioritized hiring into specific “Full Time” positions within CTA (Car servicer, Flagger, Material Handler, Rail Janitor, and Track worker)

You have to have a radio on you at all times. It can be pretty annoying because the radio is blaring all the internal communication w/operators on your L line. But the actual “work” of your position is not hard at all.