The bottom line is you get what you pay for. I've seen some terrible drivers over the years (not Renzenberger) and the few good ones that slip through the cracks tend to find greener pastures.


Around here they are paid by the mile so they drive too fast for conditions. They are also paid a small fee for waiting time (in excess of 15 minutes?) but none of it adds up to a decent wage. They are not paid a minimum so if they don't work they don't get paid. Yet they'd better jump when (and if) the phone rings.

I've seen drivers still driving after being up 24 hours at a derailment.

Sign me up for deadheading by passenger train. I'll be in the lounge chatting up the blonde from the Pullman.