On one hand, McCollum has ruined his rep with the railroad, much like I'd presume a certain collective of Chatsworth-based foamers have. I'd also like to point out INNUMERABLE members of the railfan community have exhibited hallmark behaviors similar to McCollum, although we should really thank Microsoft, Auran, and the like for throwing together simulators to keep the vast majority of the foam 'pacified'.

But then...there's this bit:
> Suggestions..[snip]..that the MTA find a way to hire McCollum in some capacity..[snip]..are
> rejected by transit officials, who fear legal liability and anti-disability stigma.

In a ways, this is indicative of how MTA (and for that matter a whole multitude of Class 1s) might need a bit of a privilege check. Many younger railfans are diagnosed on the spectrum, and despite their social shortcomings want to work in T&E operations.

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Also, I've heard some more reputable members of railroad forums discuss implementing measures similar to what McCollum has done (impersonating railroaders via uniform) so it isn't uncommon practice. I've even been mistaken for a railroader on several occasions, but thankfully all of those were on public property or within acceptable terms of riding trains. I've got intents of be a different kind of 'engineer', mind you...