Makes me wonder how much cash "disappears" in Amtrak's dining and cafe cars.In Europe (particularly in Italy), some conductors have turned the art of ripping off passengers into a theatrical event.
It goes like this. When the passenger pulls out his/her ticket or railpass, the conductor dramatically announces that the ticket/railpass isn't valid on his train -- even though it very clearly is. He then demands an extortionate "surcharge."
If the passenger meekly coughs up the extra cash, it smoothly disappears -- not into an official railroad fare wallet, but straight into the conductor's pocket. No receipt is ever offered or given.
If, on the other hand, the passenger refuses to play along with the blatant shakedown, the conductor goes totally ballistic. He'll curse. He'll flail his arms menacingly. He'll threaten to call the police and have the passenger arrested at the next station.
It's an impressive performance -- which grows even more impressive if you shout back. Once the verbal brawl screeches to its inevitable stalemate, the conductor will convincingly storm away down the aisle, still yelling and flailing his arms, and disappear into the next car -- never to be seen again.
I've been the target of this brazen little scam several times over the years. I've also seen it pulled on other passengers -- usually tourists.
I've never paid up. But the more easily intimidated usually do. So if any of you Alpha Males still dream of embarking on a highly lucrative railroad career. . . .
[This message has been edited by dilly (edited 08-18-2003).]
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