Hi all,This is kind of last minute. I'm hoping someone can help! I'm a community college student, and I'm taking classes in railroad operations. They have a new transportation program and you can take classes to be certified in General Railway Operations. I've always been a major railfan, (obviously, if I'm posting here) and I've been thinking for a while about working for the railroad. It's just one of many things I'm thinking about...I've thought about getting into public administration, because I've done a lot of voluteer work in the neighborhood and with museums and I enjoyed doing that, or possibly journalism because I like writing. (Yes, I know I'm confused). Anyway, if I do decide to work for the railroad, I really want to get into passenger train service as an engineer or conductor. I have to write a research paper for one of my classes, and the topic I chose was the future of passenger railways (in the U.S.) and new opportunities for conductors. I'm hoping someone here who works for, or has some information about either Amtrak, the Metra in Chicago, or Metrolink in southern California, can help with a few questions. Those are the agencies I'm focusing on, since they are the ones I'm most familiar with. I live in southern California, so information about Metrolink would be especially helpful. I know this is a lot to ask, but thanks in advance! Here are my questions:1. What is the process for someone who wants to work for Amtrak in an operating crew (maybe starting as an assistant conductor)? If someone were to have taken these classes and have the certificate, but has no other railroad experience. (Basically, "off the street")2. As I understand it, Metrolink (Southern California Regional Rail Authority) is operated by Amtrak through a contract. What would be the process then if you wanted to work on a Metrolink train crew? If Metrolink contracts with a different railroad company, what would be the best way to get onto a Metrolink crew?3. What does the typical day for an Amtrak or Metrolink conductor consist of? I don't need too much detail here...just some of their typical duties throughout the day (reading track bulletins, etc.)4. Same basic questions about Metra...how to get started in an operating crew, typical duties in the day, etc.Thanks! If you know of any websites I can go to find this out, that would be a big help too.Chris Tobar
gatewaycityca@yahoo.com
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