Final answer:
The primary duty of an amusement park ride operator is to ensure the safety of the riders, which overrides all other responsibilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main responsibility of an amusement park ride operator is to ensure the safety of the riders. This encompasses not only the operation of rides in a manner that prevents accidents and injuries but also includes monitoring the riders to ensure they are following safety protocols, checking that safety restraints are properly secured, and being prepared to respond to any emergencies. While ticket collection, ride operation efficiency, and cleaning are also duties of a ride operator, safety is always the paramount concern.