Checking the time, 2016.

Missouri has worked with Amtrak since 1979 to fund service linking its two largest cities – St. Louis and Kansas City – with the state capital and other intermediate communities. As of 2016, the Missouri River Runner served 10 stations along a 283-mile route. The four daily trains are scheduled to allow for convenient connections with the Lincoln Service and Southwest Chief.

To celebrate 30 years of state-supported rail service, the Missouri Department of Transportation sponsored a contest to rename the train. “Missouri River Runner,” suggested by Keith Kohler of Glendale, Mo., garnered the most votes from the public.

Assistant Conductor Vanessa Sanders checks her watch as the train gets ready to depart. The conductor and assistant conductor are responsible for the safe movement and operation of the train, collection and protection of Amtrak ticket revenue, conduct of the operating and on-board service crews, boarding and detraining of passengers and assignment of passenger accommodations.

“[Customers] let me know how I’m doing. The passengers make this job a unique experience," says Sanders.

Photographer: Chuck Gomez for Amtrak. From the Amtrak Corporate Collection.