The soldiers of the subway
- Source: Global Times
- [09:58 September 08 2010]
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No easy job
Being a metro driver is not an easy job. Working underground, these drivers face physical and mental pressure every day. Physically, their health is threatened by an unusual working environment. They have to drive the metro along the same track continuously, staring at the same dark tunnel. The lack of natural light can put strain on the eyes. When they have a brief reprieve from driving after the train arrives at a station, the high-decibel broadcast assaults their ears. Then there is the pressure of assuring the safety of thousands of commuters.
Although it is technically safer to ride a metro than a bus, an accident on a metro can result in more tragedy. With 4,000 to 5,000 passengers riding a metro at anytime, an accident can result in large-scale delays, injuries or even fatalities. Passengers' limbs can also get trapped in doors when they crowd into the train during rush hour, which can cause grievous bodily harm. If the signal light fails or the driver fails to notice it turning red, two trains can also collide.
Fear of causing an accident can create anxiety in some drivers. Bao Hequn, a driver with 10 years experience said he has recurring nightmares of bumping into somebody or ramming into a crowd because his brakes have jammed. To add to the drivers' stress, some suffer immense guilt when desperate people commit suicide before their eyes by jumping in front of the oncoming train.
In 2009, two trains collided in the Shanghai metro because of a power failure. Though there were no injuries, it suspended the metro train's flow and led to a complete shut-down of line one. The accident immediately caused chaos in the city, leaving scores of passengers trapped underground and creating delays for millions of commuters.
Hectic schedules
Meng Wei usually works from 7 am to 4 pm for one day, takes a 24-hour rest, and starts working the night shift from 4 pm to 7 am the next morning, with a three-hour rest at midnight. Then he has two days off and begins working the day shift again. Working as a metro driver since he retired from the military in 2002, Meng said he has still not adapted to working the night shift, as in the military Meng seldom had to work the night shift. However, he is still satisfied with his present job. "The metro company I am working for is State-owned, meaning the job is safe and secure," he said.
According to Jin, there are few job opportunities for people who have been discharged from the military, mostly because of their low education. "Most of people joined the army when they were around 20 years old, which means they only hold a high school diploma, while decent jobs require at least a college degree," Jin said. Jin improved his employment opportunities by enrolling in adult education programs in his time off during his military service and received a college degree after he passed examinations.
Jin told the Global Times that his squad leader, who he regards as a "military genius," is now working as a salesperson in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, after he completed five years of military service. Earning around 2,500 yuan ($367) a month, he can barely make ends meet and his living standards are lower than when he was in the military. "In the military, accommodation and clothing are provided by the government. My squad leader also received a 1,000 yuan ($147) monthly salary. But now, almost nothing is left after he pays for rent, food and transportation," Jin said. "Some of my old comrades work for small private companies, in jobs such as security guards and some choose to start up their own business," Jin continued. "Compared to others, I think my job is good."
