RAILforum: WORK SCHEDULES FOR LONG DISTANT TRAIN CREWS

This is topic WORK SCHEDULES FOR LONG DISTANT TRAIN CREWS in forum Amtrak at RAILforum.

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Posted by KA6BGJ (Member # 662) on :

Here is an interesting question that I hope someone out there can answer.

I would like to know what the workload and responsabilities of a Long Distance train crew is?

On a long distance train (such as the CZ) where it takes at least 50 to 60 hrs to go from CHI to EMY (or from EMY to CHI) what are the working hours of the crew? Do they have 3 shifts? (DAY, SWING, MIDNIGHTS).

Now I realize that 90% of the activities onboard a train occurs between the hours of 0600 and 2400HRS. What happens during the overnight hours (between 2400Hrs-0600Hrs.)

Although most of the passengers are settled down for the night by Midnight, I am sure that there are some passengers who are primairly night people who are up all night and sleep during the day.

If a passenger needs the services of an attendant at 3 AM, how readily available are they?

Since the CREW is responsible for the safety of both the passengers and the train itself at all times during the trip, do they have Crew members awake and on duty during the overnight quiet hours? (11 PM- 7AM)

Posted by yummykaz (Member # 475) on :

About crews and hours:

Here was another suggestion I would have for Amtrak:

This applies to Sunset Limited last week too:
While we waited two hours to eat most meals, there were at least 4- 8 tables always reserved for Amtrak employees, and another 2-4 with supplies ( ie. salad dressing, butter, tablecloths) piled on them. These 8-10 tables could have been serving the paying passenger. Some of the employees (1) were using laptops and taking up a whole table. Others were having leisurely dinners.

Look, I WANT my car attendant and engineer etc to have a NICE dinner! And I want them to have a BREAK! But why can't they have break and dinner etc... AFTER passengers. I only saw our attendants in diner or when we called. On my west bound trains, the restrooms were emaculate. On the east bound they were revolting. Why is there such a difference in quality/service?

My crew on the Crescent was amazing when I went from New Orleans to NY last year. They all worked as an amazing team. I saw no employees lounging until after passengers were taken care of.

Posted by NorTex (Member # 1460) on :

yummykaz,
I agree, I've seen the same thing! I've never seen THAT many tables taken up by employees, but whatever the numbers, it is too many. Adding up the daily "take", using the laptop, or whatever shouldn't happen at mealtime, and employees should eat either before or after passengers. The hard work and great attitudes of many employees are tarnished by the inconsiderate ones. And you would think that these kinds of problems are management problems. They could be easily eliminated.

Posted by Mr. Toy (Member # 311) on :

I talked to a couple of employees on the CZ who said they work a cycle of six days on and nine days off. I believe the Coast Starlight people do four days on and six days off. Basically, they work one round trip.

As for meal breaks, I don't really care when they eat, as long as another employee, such as an attendent from an adjacent car, is available to cover.

------------------
Trust God, love your neighbor, and never mistake opinion for truth.
-Mr. Toy

The Del Monte Club Car

[This message has been edited by Mr. Toy (edited 03-23-2002).]

Posted by CK (Member # 589) on :

KA6BGJ, I know this doesn't directly answer your question but I have read on another post that the CZ changes it's Engineer and Conductor at six different points between EMY & CHI.

You ask a good question in reference to the on board crew:

[QUOTE]Originally posted by KA6BGJ:
On a long distance train
If a passenger needs the services of an attendant at 3 AM, how readily available are they?
Since the CREW is responsible for the safety of both the passengers and the train itself at all times during the trip, do they have Crew members awake and on duty during the overnight quiet hours? (11 PM- 7AM)

I hope someone maybe able to provide an answer. It would be reassuring to know that a member of the crew would be readily available if needed.