r/Train_Service

The main reason why I enjoyed my job was working overtime and looking at the pay checks afterwards. I work in light rail passenger service and starting June 1st, we are being limited to 192 hours of work per 30-day period (only 24 hours of overtime a month)

Even if this guarantees me 2-3 shifts a month, it doesn't come close financially to working 6-7 days a week for months on end

Because of this, our company has hired a lot of staff and overtime is not as abundant as it use to be. At one point, I worked 7-day workweeks for 3-4 months and those pay checks gave me something to look forward to.

To me, this work-rest rule does the opposite of allowing proper rest cause a lot of us are now looking at 2nd jobs which may result in us working "more" now and getting less rest. (e.g., working a job before showing up or working even longer hours on our days off)

Just trying to understand how the tracks are controlled and who decides which train is going where ( I know freight trains get preference ) . I am assuming someone has a job similar to an air traffic controller?

Got a speeding ticket 1 year ago, 47km over in a 80. Does this ruin my chances with getting in with any rail company that requires a driving abstract? I have kept my record clean since then.

Now I’ve missed start date due to me finishing up my scheduled appointment for New hires, (Medical) got results back from Medical in and Email stating I’m not medically eligible for this position, a day later I get an email stating that they were unable to process my Medical & to reapply.. I don’t understand..

I already asked my union rep, and he doesn’t think there was a violation…but I keep having ppl tell me he’s wrong. Can anyone here shed some light on this plz?

I am quite new on the extra board. I was recently recalled from furlough and marked back up on my own. I was listed to go to my away from home terminal on my 6th start. So when I tied up in the hotel, I had 6 starts. Shortly after I was rested I was listed back home on a deadhead to my home terminal. We always have to check in with the on duty TM before tying up per some bulletin. So when we checked in, he said he had some “hot moves” for us to do. Which then changed my DH into a start, and pushing me to 7.

I keep getting mixed information. I originally thought I couldn’t be changed from a DH to a working ticket due to the amount of starts I had, but my rep said it doesn’t violate the agreement or US HOS Manual.

Can anyone here please clarify if what the carrier instructed me to do is a violation of the hours of service or if it is not?

I am stuck at Karlsruhe Hauptbahnhof. I have a ICE pass, but cannot get a seat reservation on any train, tried getting on the train now but they just said they cannot accommodate me. I need to get to Paris by 11am.
Are there any other options or ideas?
Régional trains take too long.
Tried bla bla car.
All advise is welcome

Edit - GOT ON THE TRAIN AND THEN BOUGHT THE TICKET, LESSON I LEARNT IS NEVER ASK BEFORE BOARDING

I know they are doing a piss test and vision and hearing. What other questions will they ask? Do they ask about blood pressure or pills? Mental health or anything other than that? how long does the whole thing take?

Got called up for an interview for a electrician position,been in automotive industry for around 6 years and smoked pot , not heavy but normal use . I’m nervous if they tell me to do a drug test , I quit smoking since they called me . are they currently doing hair follicle and urine testing ?what are some tips someone can give me . This job will change my life and I’m willing to do wtv it takes

Hey guys thanks for taking the time to read this post! Just found myself in a weird situation here where I've been able to secure employment from both companies as a Conductor. But now I'm at a crossroads thinking about which one would be better long term; more so in regards to which one has more consistent work (less lay offs) from your personal experience.

Both terminals are major cities.

Thank you so much guys!

So i got the initial interview on hirevue and today had the in person interview. i wanted to know if anyone knew what the process is after this. they told me it could take several weeks to move on to the next steps but my questions are. 1.) how do they contact you for moving on with the next steps? would it be by phone or email? 2.) when they say “several weeks” does it mean they can contact me within a couple weeks to a couple months? or does it mean i’ll be waiting a while before i hear anything back? or does it mean that the process of getting hired takes several weeks. i asked them they only explained it as “the next steps if you were to move on after this interview would be to lookout for a job offer, after that we schedule the background and drug test and after that you’ll be offered a hire date and start your training, which can take up to several weeks”

Curious as to what the history of furloughs looks like in Kansas City for conductors and engineers. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Just want to know if they do, how long the furloughs usually last when they do furlough, and who that affects. Engineers and conductors alike.

my understanding is CN employees have a “window“ they can be expected to work in, I’m not sure what happens if the train falls outside this window? how does it work for spare board employees?

I also heard that they might switch back to schedules? what happens if the train is late or early?

Anyone know if CN rehires ? I’m sure it’s not common amongst people. Just was wondering.

Looking into being the signal maintainer trainee position at Norfolk southern and wondering what’s it like in particular to the career stability and all that.

Hey everyone,
I currently work as a contract thermite welder on CN Rail’s network and I’m looking to make the transition to train conductor. I’ve been around the railway industry for a while now and I’m really passionate about making it a long-term career.
My question is: would it be better to pursue a conductor position with CN or CPKC? I’m based in Quebec, so both are accessible to me. I’m curious about things like pay, scheduling, seniority progression, working conditions, and overall job security.
Any insight from people who’ve worked at either railroad — or both — would be hugely appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Hello,

So as the title states, I am looking to switch my current career to being a train conductor, the only railroad in my area that I can go for is Amtrak and I had a few questions about getting hired after submitting the application.

For context my current career field is in Private Security and I have at least a minimum of 2 years experience in this field.

My official work history is as follows:
Restaurant Busboy - 5 years (pre-pandemic)
Theme Park Ride Operator - 1 Year
Expo Booth Attendant - 1 week
Parking Attendant - 3 weeks
Security Officer (Current) - 2 1/2 Years

I am in the LA Area, so I can get to Union Station for work when needed.

My main questions are:
Will my work experience be enough to be selected to move forward?
If I am selected, what if anything should I be doing to prepare/help me be able to get a conditional offer to work for the railroad I applied for?
Should I even consider trying to work for Amtrak at all?
What should I expect if/when I do get hired to work at a railroad with absolutely no transportation experience or railroad experience?

I appreciate everyone's responses to my question, thank you so much.