Well somewhat different was on the extra board at the chicago transit authority for 14 years and can say at first it was very tough. Would get the worst assignments midnight shifts etc on Sunday back then we had to collect fares and it was a nightmare as they had what was called a supertransfers which enabled you to ride all day as many times as you wanted those early start runs everyone bought them.
Working as a conductor with head out window a rule for 50ft was spat at had eggs thrown at me robbed gun pointed at me etc saw it all.
Then the show up jobs were the worst as you would sit at terminal for 3 hours in case someone called in sick or missed if all went well you then had 3-4 hours off then came back for 3 more hours of the same.
Your day was tied up not knowing what could happen and if the clerk did not like you well.
Many times can recall in the last 3 ours of sitting with half hour left something would open up and it could be at another terminal yes you would get paid for time sat plus the run but my gosh .
There are so many stories could tell with not enough space here . Things have changed since retirement like the hours they can keep you how the pay etc is calculated .
No regrets i get a monthly pension and after those 14 years was able to pick jobs 4 times a year in my classification as a switchman and worked another 14 years at that. Was qualified as a flagman/motorman/switchman and performed those jobs on the extra board.
Little side note never ever had a major violation such as an accident with the train in anyway .
Funny thing back then we had spotters hired by company to watch over us and you never knew who they were.
Once was called into office to see superintendent mind you this was back in 1981 he asked do you smoke? I said sure and reached into shirt pocket and offered him one he said "put those away" and showed me the write up ticket violation yes i was guilty and admitted to smoking in the cab.
He tore up ticket and simply said " don't get caught again".Those days surely are long gone.
Now i vape and have not smoked for 8 years and feel much better.
Retired ATU Member Local 308
