Conductor helping a passenger, 2015.

Conductor Ralph Copeland helps a passenger in a wheeled mobility device board a Capitol Corridor train. The conductor is responsible for the safe movement and operation of the train, the collection and protection of Amtrak ticket revenue, the conduct of the operating and on-board service crews, the boarding and detraining of passengers and the assignment of passenger accommodations.

"Most of the people, especially on the early trains, I see every day. We are on a first name basis with most of our customers. People in the Bay Area rely on Amtrak to get them home safely from a long day at work," says Copeland.

The Capitol Corridor route is primarily financed and operated in partnership with the State of California. It is managed by the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA), which partners with Amtrak, the Union Pacific Railroad, Caltrans and the communities comprising the CCJPA to continue development of a cost-effective, viable and safe intercity passenger rail service. Capitol Corridor trains generally employ bi-level "California cars" with a distinctive blue and yellow paint scheme.

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