What do you notice about the crimes committed on railroads?
What are some vulnerabilities to the security of our country?
How can drugs be smuggled into the US?
What can happen to cargo?
Why is firearms theft such a serious problem?
Another problem is the theft of firearms as cargo. Unregistered and available, these weapons can be used by criminals to commit other crimes. Some and not all of these weapons are ever recovered. In response to theft of other goods and firearms, railroads are beefing up security at freight yards. Sadly, the theft of firearms still continues along a vast rail network.
This is what happens when you are caught. In this video, the US Border Patrol finds and removes a stowaway on a freight train. Stowaways are common on freight trains crossing the border from Mexico and Canada. Drugs are also smuggled in train cars. That also carries charges in addition to being on a freight train illegally. Narcotics also are illegally sold on trains. Just like any other place in society, railroads have crime. Assaults, rape, murder, drugs, theft, vandalism and trespassing. All take place on railroads and on trains.
Another crime occurring on railroads is just as bad as train hopping. On a passenger train, passengers may look for ways to avoid paying their fare to ride the trains. Some will brazenly board a train without a ticket. Sometimes ticket machines are broken. Some NJT trains used to take cash if you did not purchase a ticket beforehand. Some people can even have tickets scanned into their smartphones. With automated ticket machines, these are the only ways to get a ticket- with exception of course to NY Penn Station where there are ticket windows.
The most important person on a train is the conductor. They tell you what to do on a train, collect fares and enforce the rules on the train. One of the most important things to keep in mind is that you cannot but tickets on a train on some commuter railroads. Some of the fare beaters are escorted off the train and arrested at the next stop.
The conductor is one you don't want to upset or start a problem with either. If you choose to get physical or shove a conductor or any train crewmember, you risk a heavy fine and 18 months in prison. This is per NJ statutes and posted conspicuously in all coaches.
On subways, there are turnstile hoppers. These people will hop the turnstiles to avoid paying for their ride. They can ride anywhere on the subways. Since there are no conductors aboard these trains, some may not get caught. There is however, a deterrent which is with security cameras to monitor the entrances to subways which are controlled. Transit police may also be aboard trains too. Typically, there are turnstiles to get in and also to exit.
What happens in both cases is a significant loss of revenue for the railroads. Fare evasion may also lead to other crimes as well. It is considered to be a theft of service and its results may increase fares.
Another reality is being the victim of a crime like muggings or assault, sexual assault, etc. Some who do are fare evaders, mentally ill, and homeless. ANYBODY can be a criminal. We will talk more about crimes and punishments in the Prevention and Consequences page.
There are simple passenger rules to follow on a train:
Do not hang out in the vestibules of cars or lean on doors.
Have your ticket out for collection by the conductor.
Talk softly. The world is not interested in your loud conversation. Some railroads do have quiet cars where you are expected to be quiet.
DO NOT give the conductor a hard time and comply with what they tell you.
Feet off the seats and no loud music.
Food might not be allowed on a train.
No blocking aisles in coaches
Take your trash with you.