Freight train engineers typically bring their own meals or purchase food at train stations or nearby convenience stores.
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what do they do to pass the time? Other than a refrigerator/watercooler and a bathroom there are almost zero ammenities on a locomotive. Only way a engineer can go to bathroom is by stopping his train or if the conductor is a certified engineer he could run for while.
May work nights, weekends, and holidays, since trains travel 24 hours a day, seven days a week. May work multiple shifts in one day. Choice of shift comes with seniority.
It's against the rules on CSX and probably most railroads. I know of one case where a conductor got time off for a violation although it's not enforced very strictly,especially if both crew members are smokers. It's against the rules on CSX and probably most railroads.
Conductors work long days (anywhere from 11 to 13 hours, typically), they have to maneuver heavy machinery in sometimes terrible weather conditions, and they can't really plan time off for birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries. A former conductor told Reddit: “It is a career that kills marriage.”
They will work alongside a certified engineer to operate across their territory. They can't work alone during this time. Federal certification programs require that the trainee become proficient “in the most demanding class or type of service that the person will be permitted to perform.”
Conductors do not sleep on trains. As operating personnel they are awake for their entire shift, and can be on duty no more than 12 hours. At crew change points, they stay in hotels that the railroad has arranged for them. The same situation applies to engineers (in other countries, the “driver”).
Shift work and irregular hours: Conductors may be required to work shifts, including nights, weekends, and public holidays, which can disrupt personal routines and social life.
Railroad and subway drivers can experience psychological trauma when trains strike or nearly miss other trains, motor vehicles, or persons or become instruments of death.
Day-to-day tasksmake sure equipment, doors and controls are working properly. greet customers and create a welcoming atmosphere. walk through carriages during the journey to check tickets and travel documents. answer passengers' questions about routes, arrival times and connections.
Freight train conductors can't listen to music, books on tape, or do anything else that could potentially help them stay awake. Each freight train has two crew members, a conductor and an engineer.
Train conductors and yardmasters frequently:Sit for long periods of time. Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls. Repeat the same movements.
Locomotive engineers drive passenger and freight trains, while conductors manage the activities of the crew and passengers on the train. Conductors may take payments or tickets from passengers and assist them when they have any difficulties.
Because train engineers receive additional training and typically have more experience than conductors, they may earn a higher salary. Consider your budget and cost of living to decide whether a lower salary is enough for your needs if you're considering becoming a conductor.
Railroad officials said that with smoking banned, cars would be cleaner, cost less to maintain and have more seats available during rush hour. Railroad officials had advocated a ban based on concerns about health and overcrowding.