Cab Rider Info

Cab Ride General Information

Riding in the locomotive cab is a fun and exciting way to enjoy your train ride. It’s a rare opportunity to see what happens “behind the scenes” on a passenger train. From the locomotive cab, you are treated to a forward view while seeing what it takes to operate the train smoothly to ensure a comfortable ride for the passengers.

Before the Ride

• Cab rides may not be available on some departures and are subject to change at the last minute.
• Cab riders should check in at the Duluth Ticket Office. DO NOT report to the locomotive or train.
• Cab riders must arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Photo ID will be required at check in.
• Cab riders will receive a safety briefing from the crew before boarding the locomotive.
• At check-in, cab riders will be required to sign a release of liability and photography consent form prior to entering the cab.
• Cab riders will be provided with ear plugs and eye protection. These safety items must be worn at all times during the ride.

Safety:

• Your safety and the safety of all passengers and crew aboard the train is our number one priority.
• Anyone under the age of twelve years may not ride in the locomotive cab.
• No more than one (1) rider in the locomotive cab at any one time.
• The locomotive cab is not ADA-accessible.
• Cab riders must be able to stand, walk, sit and climb stairs and ladders without assistance and without the aid of a mobile assist device.
• Not all locomotive cabs are equipped with restroom facilities. The train cannot be stopped for restroom breaks and cab riders are not permitted to move between the locomotive and the train while enroute or while stopped anywhere other than a passenger station platform that provides safe accessibility for cab riders to re-locate to the train.
• Cab riders who are vision or hearing impaired, that require the assistance of another person or service animal cannot be accommodated in the locomotive cab due to limited room and facilities.
• Climbing into the cab requires strength, balance, and agility using both arms and both legs. Stairs are open metal ladders. Steel decking surfaces may be slippery or uneven. The sensation of motion within the locomotive cab is different than aboard a passenger rail car.
• Locomotive types and sizes vary. Some cab access ways require traversing narrow walkways up to 12 feet above the ground.
•  All terms, conditions and fares are subject to change without liability and notice.

Photographs/Videos

• The use of cameras for photography and video is permitted, but only when the train or locomotive is stopped and only with permission from the crewmembers in the cab.
• The train cannot be stopped for any dropped equipment.
• Personal electronic devices must be turned off for the duration of the ride to maintain compliance with federal laws and railroad operating rules.

Clothing

• All riders must wear proper clothing while in the cab. Shorts, skirts, dresses and tank tops are not permitted.
• Clothing may get soiled by dirt, dust, grease, or mud. Wear clothing that permits free movement of legs, hands and arms for climbing ladders.
• Shoes must be non-slip, closed toe and closed heel. Sandals, flip flops, Crocs and high heels are not permitted.
• No firearms or weapons are permitted.

During the Ride

• Our train crew’s primary responsibility is to operate the train safely and efficiently. While Engineers, Conductors and Brakeman(s) are free to converse with you at their discretion, there are important duties they must attend to, without becoming distracted.
• Cab riders must carefully and completely follow all the instructions from the engine crew. Failure to do so will force the crew to stop the train and remove the cab rider from the locomotive cab without exception or refund.
• If there is any emergency, or in-route repairs or unforeseen delays, cab riders are to remain in the cab and only act on the crew’s instructions.
• At the crew’s discretion, a cab rider may be asked to ride in the coach portion of the train if the engineer feels that the cab rider is unfit or unwell enough to ride in the cab.
• Cab riders who appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will have their ride canceled, with no refund.

A locomotive cab is the workspace for the crew. They are not designed with guest comfort in mind. Many of our historic locomotives were built without air conditioning. The seating varies by different locomotives. While some locomotive seats offer comforting attributes, others are nothing more than a small, padded bench seat. Railroading is an inherently dirty job. Train crew members are constantly exposed to loud noise, exhaust fumes, smoke and all weather conditions while working in industrial settings. As a result, locomotive cabs can be filthy environments filled with remnants of grease, oil and dirt that can easily stain or ruin clothing. Most railroad crews wear robust workwear while performing their duties. While workwear is not required for cab guests, we do recommend clothing that can withstand these industrial environments.