Boston’s Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Co. (MBCR) announced 17 men and women have earned certification as an assistant conductor, where they will serve as second-in-command to the conductor while working on commuter rail trains in Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

The graduates join the ranks of a select group that works directly with customers and transportation managers to provide safe and reliable service. The new assistant conductors were formally inducted earlier this month during a ceremony at MBCR’s training facility in Somerville.

MBCR Chief Transportation Officer, John Hogan, delivered the keynote address, focusing on the importance of safety and customer service to the MBTA commuter rail system and its customers.

Assistant conductors play an essential role in commuter rail operations, staffing entrances and exits to provide customer safety, working with customers to ensure their well-being and checking trains for any onboard issues. They also collect revenue, tickets and check passes.

All Assistant conductors are required to complete an extensive training program in order to earn certification, including classroom, federal rail laws, federal rail administration operating rules, rail safety, revenue collection, customer interaction, field training, job shadowing and more.