J
Joe Railroader
Guest
Hello all. I have been employed with a Class 1 railroad as a conductor in the Northeast for about 10 months now. I recently accepted a position with Amtrak on the NEC, NYP to DC, as an Assistant Conductor.
I am a little nervous about making the switch. I do like working as a freight conductor. I work mostly locals and road switcher jobs, and I never stay in hotels, always taxi back to my home terminal. What I don't like about freight are the weather conditions, working mostly at night, and the bugs...oh there are so many bugs out at these remote places and they bite the living **** out of you! I really like the idea of making a round trip every day between New York and Washington, interacting with passengers, and being the face of a professional rail company to my passengers.
I am just constantly questioning myself as the countdown to the switch (a little over 2 weeks to go) continues. I know once I leave my class 1 freight for am Amtrak, they won't take me back if something goes wrong during my training/probation. I truly think I will excel in passenger service, but I can't help but wonder if I am making the right move. Can anyone give me any insight about switching from freight to passenger? Am I making the right move?
From what I am told, you go through Amtrak's training center in Wilmington for 8 weeks, are promoted to Asst. Conductor, complete 90 days probation, and then work in that capacity as you qualify on the territory. Once you qualify on the territory, you mark up to a head conductor. Does this sound accurate to anyone in the know?
I am a little nervous about making the switch. I do like working as a freight conductor. I work mostly locals and road switcher jobs, and I never stay in hotels, always taxi back to my home terminal. What I don't like about freight are the weather conditions, working mostly at night, and the bugs...oh there are so many bugs out at these remote places and they bite the living **** out of you! I really like the idea of making a round trip every day between New York and Washington, interacting with passengers, and being the face of a professional rail company to my passengers.
I am just constantly questioning myself as the countdown to the switch (a little over 2 weeks to go) continues. I know once I leave my class 1 freight for am Amtrak, they won't take me back if something goes wrong during my training/probation. I truly think I will excel in passenger service, but I can't help but wonder if I am making the right move. Can anyone give me any insight about switching from freight to passenger? Am I making the right move?
From what I am told, you go through Amtrak's training center in Wilmington for 8 weeks, are promoted to Asst. Conductor, complete 90 days probation, and then work in that capacity as you qualify on the territory. Once you qualify on the territory, you mark up to a head conductor. Does this sound accurate to anyone in the know?
