Train hopping

Train hopping in the United States. Although riding trains for free (train-hopping) is illegal, it is one of the most viable ways to get out of the city for free. In most passenger trains (NJ Transit, Amtrak, etc.), the only way to ride for free is to hide in a bathroom or display a "Seat Check" ticket found on the ground or from a previous ride. Generally speaking, if you are discovered to be riding without paying the proper fare, you will be asked to pay it. If you can not pay it, then you will be asked to exit the train at the next station. As long as you main friendly and cooperative, there should not be a problem with legal issues, arrest, or fines.

Hopping freight trains is a common way to ride long distances for free. It is extremely practical to do if you have phone or internet access, because there are numbers and/or websites that will give you the direction that each freight is headed and its estimated time of arrival, based on that freight's identification number.

If possible get your hands on the Crew Change Guide, an underground book with hopping info on nearly every crew changing station across the United States.

There is a mailing list for train hopping. Send a mail to [email protected] to join.

Freight trains

Freight hopping became a common means of transportation following the American Civil War as the railroads began pushing westward, especially among migrant workers who became known as hobos. It continued to be widely used by the destitute and those unable to afford other transportation, especially during times of widespread economic dislocation such as the Great Depression.

• How to hop a freight train

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