Recent content by NetJetAmtrak

I am not sure the engineer would use a person at a station a reason to stop. Giving the fact so many people hang out there and railfans such as myself would be standing around. I guess as you stated above, the conductor must get notified prior to arrival. I am just curious as to how they do that.

Ok..yes, I see that in the timetable. Then, I have another question regarding "flag stops". As I understand them, if no one is planned on boarding and no one is planned on getting off the train at that stop; the train can go through the stop without actually stopping? So, it would just bypass...

AHHH..Yes, Thanks guys. I should have thought of that before I posted. I know that there are stations that they do not stop at unless they have pax to pickup or drop off. I am thinking Benson,AZ (not far from me) is like that. Now it all makes sense!

I am curious to know how Amtrak can leave a station early? I checked the website today and yesturday on train #5 and #6 and it says it leaves as much as 48 min early from Sacramento. Anyone know why they do this and would it not mess up someone trying to catch the train?

Well, I do wish they would start a Tucson-Phoenix-Flagstaff service....That would be cool and make my railfanning more fun here in TUS. :) Start off with 4 trips a day and offer full dining and sleeper service...LOL. Tucson is a great place for a base! In fact, they should move Beech...

Well, my user name is not too inventing. I work currently as a pilot for NetJets (huge fractional ownership company) and my dream job is to work for Amtrak one day. I put the two together. :) It is funny how the grass always seems greener at some other place. A long time back I worked as...

HA..funny you mention that. I have been in aviation for so long that I would LOVE to make a career change! I check the Amtrak job site and I would be more than eager to apply. Being in the same type of heavy safety environment and with little room for poor judgement in both industries, I...

When I have traveled on LD trains, I always get a sleeper. I have gone the haul a few times in coach but it is always tough to sleep hearing the doors open all night between cars. But, I would always tip a min of 5 to 10 for each meal in dining car and gave the car attendant 40 when I got off...

Thanks everyone for the responses! Being in the aviation industry, a lot of rules and info is well known to the general public due to all the media. I find the railroad industry very interesting and almost a mystery. LOL. I was just up in Seattle and took the Starlight to Portland. It still...

I have been a fan of Amtrak for a long time but, I have a few questions that might seem silly..but, I have always wanted to know. Can anyone out there answer? 1) On average, how long is your duty day? Are you limited as I am in aviation? We can work up to 14 hrs duty. 2) When it comes...