If there’s one thing consistent about Metra, it’s the inconsistencies. Trains are often delayed, but it’s more than just an inconsistent schedule. The behaviors of conductors varies from train to train. I wanted to learn why some conductors, or “trainmen”, enforce the quiet car while others do not. To do this, I filed a Freedom of Information Act request and obtained the latest trainmen training materials.
On express trains during rush hour, the second car from the head of the train and the second car from the locomotive are quiet cars. This is designated by the signs in the car, and an announcement over the intercom.
As someone who sat exclusively in quiet cars for several years, I can attest that the cars are usually very quiet. However, I learned that “quiet” is a subjective word. Trainmen walking through the cars would often mention that this is a “quiet car, not a silent car.” I believe most train cars on express trains, are generally quiet.
My hunch that quiet is subjective was reinforced upon obtaining the training materials. They state that in quiet cars, “conversations must be kept to a minimum and are to be subdued…Enforcement will primarily come from the peer pressure of other riders.” Should peer pressure not be sufficient, the trainmen are to “discretely give the passenger a business card which encourages a lowering of volume.”
When there is noise in the quiet car, I’ve seen responses from a slew of “shhs” to one passenger, walking down from the upper level of the train car and confronting the passenger asking them to be quiet in a forceful manner – and this was as the train was pulling into the end of the line.
I no longer sit in the quiet cars because I couldn’t handle the inconsistency in how the rules were enforced. When I found out that the other cars were just as quiet, except after Cubs games, I ventured out into other cars and enjoy the pleasant din of chit chat, people snoring, and keyboards clicking. The train to me is more quiet than taking the bus or sitting in traffic.
Quiet is what you want it to be. My commute zen is different than yours, but we’re all in this together. Metra says “if you see something, say something.” Maybe the quiet car’s motto should be “if you hear something, and it’s not subdued, say something, because the trainman is not going to help you out.”