Consolidate Code of Operating Rules - Revised 1959

back to contents

PASSENGER SERVICE

870. Train employes must give proper attention to the convenience and comfort of passengers, and give particular assistance to children who are unattended, and to persons who are ill, infirm, inexperienced, or otherwise unable to care for themselves.

870 (A). Conductor or forward trainman
must patrol train frequently. Train employes must inform conductor promptly of all irregularities or improper conduct on the train.

871. Train crews must see that hand baggage is safely stowed. Hand baggage, packages and other parcels may be placed in overhead racks provided for that purpose when it can be done with safety. Otherwise, such articles must be placed on floor of car but not in aisle.

872. Conductors must not permit intoxicated or disorderly persons to get on their
trains; nor persons mentally incompetent, unless accompanied by an attendant. They must not permit obscene or profane language, nor interference with or annoyance to other passengers, or other misconduct.

873. Train employes must be on the lookout for confidence men and swindlers; have them watched, personally warn passengers, and if any attempt be made to defraud them, must prevent it and report the case by wire to the superintendent. They must not permit beggars or unauthorized peddlers to practice their vocations on the train, nor allow advertising matter to be distributed.

874. No person will be allowed to ride with- out proper transportation, and conductors must collect fare from all persons traveling without it.
If there is doubt as to the right of a passenger to continue on transportation presented, or as to the proper course to be pursued, the facts in the case must be reported by wire to the superintendent.

875. When examining transportation held by passengers destined to stations reached by connecting trains, conductors must inform passengers where they are to change cars or trains; also where connecting trains will be found at stations where they transfer and the approximate leaving time.

Approaching and before leaving stations, junctions, lunchrooms and terminals, proper announcement necessary for the information and guidance of passengers must be made by trainmen. Before departure, when visitors are permitted on trains, announcement must be made, "Visitors off, please".

Conductors will see that employes of sleeping and parlor cars give their passengers sufficient notice as to leaving train.

876. As far as possible, conductors must see that passengers are provided with seats and that no one is allowed to occupy more than a single seat to the exclusion of others. When there are not seats enough in the coaches and there are vacant seats in any parlor or sleeping car (except chartered cars), passengers may be seated therein and train conductors will arrange with parlor or sleeping car conductors accordingly. Such seats must be surrendered as soon as there is room in the coaches or whenever they are wanted for regular use. Seats in sleeping cars must not be so assigned or occupied at night after the regular passengers have retired.

877. Train employes must not occupy seats with passengers, nor enter into conversation with them or other employes further than is required in the discharge of their duty.

878. If necessary to eject a passenger from a train, discretion must be used. Local rules, state laws and the conditions shall govern. Conductors will call upon local peace officers or upon railroad police for assistance when necessary.

If a passenger is ejected from a train, the names and addresses of all witnesses and their statements in writing, if possible, should be obtained. Passengers must not be ejected except where shelter and food may be obtained.

879. Articles found in trains must be labeled with train number, car number and name of finder, and upon arrival at terminal or junction station must be turned over to agent or baggage agent and receipt secured.

880. When a conductor delivers a train to another conductor, he must inform him of any facts necessary for the relieving conductor to know. Care must be exercised to properly transfer transportation. Except as otherwise arranged, passenger trainmen will remain at their trains at terminals in uniform to answer inquiries and assist passengers until the train is vacated, or until they are relieved.

881. Conductors will see that all telegrams entrusted to their care are promptly delivered. If for any reason they cannot be delivered, conductors will write this fact upon the envelope and leave it at the next open office where train stops.

882. Train employes must familiarize themselves with the instructions governing heating, lighting, ventilation and airconditioning of cars and see that the instructions are complied with, and that cars are properly supplied with water or ice and are kept clean.
When a passenger car cannot be properly heated or airconditioned, conductor must make wire report to designated officers.

883. Toilets in passenger cars must be locked before cars are placed at terminal stations, on approaching terminals, and during prolonged stops at intermediate stations.

884. Steam valves on rear of passenger trains must not be opened until it is known no one will be injured thereby.

885. When necessary to uncouple passenger equipment, the vestibule curtains must be disconnected and electrical connectors taken down.

886. If a passenger train makes an improper station stop or it is necessary to move engine after making stop for water or fuel, engineer must give signal 14 (b) or 14 (h) and receive proper signal from conductor before moving train.

887. Side doors and trap doors of vestibules must be kept closed on other than suburban trains when trains are moving except when necessary to check signals or inspect train or immediately before stop is made to handle passengers.

When a train is standing to meet or to be passed by another train at a point where no passengers are to be received or discharged, the vestibule doors must be kept closed on the side on which the approaching train is to move, unless a trainman is in position to prevent passengers from alighting.

888. When occupied passenger equipment is
being switched, or while standing uncoupled, end gates, bars or chains must be in position to protect open ends of cars. Such protection must also be provided the rear car of all trains.
When not equipped with gates, bars or chains, rear door of last car must be kept locked, otherwise all d ors on ends of occupied passenger cars must be kept unlocked at all times when train is moving.
The vestibule curtains must be drawn across the diaphragms on passenger equipment while being handled in passenger, mail or express trains.
Account buffers not being protected by curtains, gate at front end of car next to baggage or mail cars must be closed at all times to prevent personal injury.

889. Unnecessary noise in or about sleeping cars at night should be prevented so far as possible, and special care taken when switching or coupling these cars.

890. Train employes should not pass through dining, sleeping or private cars except when necessary in the performance of duty, and when passing through dining cars during meal hours, or through private cars, train employes other than conductors when lifting tickets, must remove their caps.
Marker lamps must not be carried through business, dining, sleeping, observation or private cars, when it can be avoided.

891. During extremely cold weather, engine must not be detached from passenger train if it can be avoided. If it is necessary to do so, or if train is separated, steam line must be drained and steam connections between cars disconnected when necessary to prevent freezing.
Engine or detached portions of train must be recoupled and steam line connected as quickly as possible to avoid discomfort to passengers.

892. Dangerous gases present in exhausts from various types of engines, steam generators, or engines of the Waukesha or similar type may cause incapacitation or fatalities if in sufficient concentration as might result when a train is stopped in a tunnel.
Exhaust from such engines must not be located in close proximity of fresh air intake of passenger cars and care must be exercised at all times to see that there is sufficient ventilation where such engines are operated.
In the event a passenger train, regardless of the type of power being used, is stopped in a tunnel, cars within the tunnel must have air circulating systems, including airconditioning systems, ice machines and engine generators shut off, fresh air intake shutters closed, and blower fans shut off.
The same action must be taken when a passenger train is stopped in snow of sufficient depth to prevent dissipation of exhaust gases.
Certain gases are not readily detected by odors and this action must be taken immediately and time not wasted in determining when train may be started. Take safe course and act at once.
Train dispatcher should be notified immediately so that proper arrangements can be made for protection of persons and equipment.

893. Trains must not leave a station at which they are scheduled to receive United States Mail until the loading has been completed. Trainmen will decline to accept pouches containing mail matter unless the pouches are properly locked. When trains are diverted . from their regular tracks on which they usually pick up mail, arrangements must be made for getting that mail.

back to contents

FREIGHT SERVICE

900. Conductors are responsible for the security of all freight in their trains while in their charge, and for its delivery, with the necessary waybills or manifests, at its destination or at terminals.
The instructions relative to the sealing of cars and ventilation of perishable commodities must be carefully observed.

900 (A). The doors of empty cars in trains must be kept closed. The doors of loaded cars must be kept closed and properly secured unless left open for ventilation.

901. Trainmen must give proper attention to caretakers and attendants and to the handling of livestock and perishable freight, and be governed by special instructions relating thereto. Particular attention must be given to livestock unaccompanied by attendants. Trainmen must conform to Federal and State laws governing the handling of livestock. Any unusual condition must be reported promptly to the proper authority.

902. When necessary to set out bad order cars, a wire report must be made promptly to the superintendent, showing:

initial and car number;
contents and waybill reference;
station and track where car set out;
nature of defect;
disposition of waybill.

Waybill will be left with agent, or if no agent at point where car is set out, waybill must be taken to next terminal, with proper endorsement showing why and where car was set out.
When cars with any defects are picked up, the same information should be given, and if received from another railroad, this information should be shown.
When a car is unsafe to run because of defects in car or insecure or improper loading, it must not be taken from a station, in which case a report must be made promptly to the superintendent.
When repairs are made to foreign cars, a report on prescribed form must be made.
If cars containing valuable equipment or freight liable to be stolen are set out short of destination at a point where there is no agent, , the superintendent must be notified by wire.

903. Unless otherwise instructed, all freight handled in trains must be covered by station or card waybills. Waybills must be examined and all instructions thereon complied with.

904. Unless otherwise directed, when conductors are notified that loaded cars are ready for their trains at locations which are reached before the billing station for such locations, the cars may be taken to the billing station, where the proper waybills must be procured or the cars set out. When the billing station is reached first, the waybills for cars that are expected to be ready to go forward from such location may ' be taken; but if the cars are found not ready to » go, the waybills must be promptly returned by mail to the billing agent with a statement showing why the cars were not taken. The superintendent must also be notified by wire.

905. If there is no agent where freight is left, conductors must check upon the waybill all freight so left, making the proper record on the face of the waybill of all freight over, short or damaged, and must deliver waybill and any freight that is over to the agent at billing station for such locations, unless otherwise instructed.

906. When taking freight from a station where there is no agent, conductors must carefully check the freight, see that it is properly marked and accompanied by a shipping order, and that such orders are delivered to the billing agent for such station, who will furnish the proper billing.

907. Conductors must check all freight loaded by them with the waybills, making the proper record on face of waybill of anything over, short or damaged.

908. When freight is transferred from one car to another, proper record must be entered on face of the waybill, including the date, point of transfer, initials and number of car to which transfer is made, and exceptions as to over, short or damaged freight.

909. After loading, unloading or transferring, freight remaining in cars must be properly stowed.

910. When cars in trains have been pilfered or broken into, conductors will wire the superintendent and railroad police from the first available point, giving car number, seal numbers and as much information as practicable.

911. Conductors must see that their cabooses are kept in a clean and neat condition.

back to contents


ENGINE SERVICE

920. Employes in engine service must report for duty at the appointed time. Except as otherwise provided, they must know that their engine is in good working order and is furnished with fuel, water, tools, sand and other supplies, including flagging equipment and signal appliances. They should make every effort to see that the train for which they are called departs on time.

921. An engine must not be moved, or any of its machinery operated, unless it can be done without injury to anyone.

922. The engineer is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the engine in his charge and all persons employed thereon must obey his instructions.
Engineers must not permit any unauthorized person to handle the engine.

923. At locations where engines are serviced, fuel, water and sand connections must not be made while engine is in motion. Engine must not be moved until all servicing equipment has been disconnected, and attendants clear of engine.

924. Care must be used when backing to train or coupling to cars, and when approaching switches and derails which are to be lined.

925. Care must be used to avoid striking stock. When stock is observed inside of right-of-way fence, the train dispatcher must be notified and, if practicable, the sectionmen also ` notified. If livestock is killed or injured, a report must be made on the prescribed form.
When a train strikes livestock, train must be stopped and inspection made to ascertain if any damage to equipment. If livestock is struck by trains near switches, the switches must be examined.

926. Any defective condition of the engine must be promptly reported to the proper authority, and at the end of each trip a record made on the prescribed form of the repairs required.

927. Diesel engines must not be towed, or operated under own power, through water over three inches above the rail. When towed, or operated under own power, through water above rails, a speed of three (3) miles per hour must not be exceeded.

back to contents

STATION AGENTS AND OPERATORS

951. Agents have charge of employes at stations, and must see that they properly perform their duties and are courteous and considerate in their dealings with the public.
They must not be absent from their stations, grant leaves of absence to their subordinates, or make any change in their forces without permission. They are responsible for the railroad’s property and other property entrusted to the railroad in the transaction of its business.
They must not permit unauthorized persons to frequent offices.

952. Agents and operators must see that stations have the necessary signal equipment ready for immediate use. Should anything endanger the safety of trains, proper signals must be immediately displayed.

953. Preferred attention must be given to train order service. Operators must assist in clerical or other station service when called upon, but must be within hearing of their instruments when possible.
In offices where several operators are on duty 5 at the same time, only one operator on each shift will be permitted to handle train orders and clear trains, except when service requires more than one train order operator and then the work must be arranged so that not more than one operator on a shift will handle train orders and clearances for the same territory.

954. Agents and operators must keep train dispatchers informed as to weather conditions, particularly in regard to fog, heavy wind, rain or snow. Indications of abnormal weather conditions not in immediate vicinity of station but which may affect track or bridges must also be promptly reported. `
When there are indications of heavy winds, cloudbursts or abnormal weather conditions, agents and operators must see at once that cars at their stations are secured so that they will not move.

955. Agents and operators must not make public the fact or particulars of accidents, or communicate them to any person, except to the proper officers of the railroad. Messages of a personal nature must be held strictly confidential. Messages for persons on trains must be enclosed in envelopes and sealed.

956. Agents and operators will be held responsible for the prompt acceptance, transmission and delivery of messages. If the person to whom the message is addressed cannot be located, they must notify the office at which it originated, without delay.
All messages filed must show filing time and all proper sending notations. Messages telephoned must show date, time, to whom and by whom telephoned.

957. Agents and operators must understand how to test and patch wires in switchboard, and prompt and careful attention must be given this work. They must keep wire chiefs fully advised of the condition of wires.
When closing an office for the day or night where a peg type switchboard is used, the instruments must be cut out.
Switchboards must be examined frequently to see that plugs are in proper place and tightly set. Care must be taken to keep instruments in proper adjustment at all times. Before opening key, the relay must be adjusted carefully to see that the wire is not in use.
Wires must not be grounded in switchboard except when necessary in case of wire trouble or when ordered by the wire chief.

958. Operators going off duty must make a written transfer on the prescribed form of all undelivered train orders and messages, instructions, including CTC instructions, unfinished business, condition of wires, position of train order signal and overdue trains.
The operator going on duty must not handle the train order signal, train orders, or CTC control machine until the transfer has been completed. Each operator must personally sign the transfer. When shifts are not continuous, the transfer will be made in the same manner.

959. At stations not open continuously, agents and operators must post their addresses and telephone numbers on the inside of the cover of the waybill box.

960. Agents must see that the station buildings and grounds connected therewith are kept neat and clean and in proper condition for the accommodation of passengers and the handling of freight.

961. Agents must make frequent inspection of yards, platforms, offices, buildings and surroundings; see that the station platforms and walks are properly cleared of snow, ice or dirt, and that rubbish is not allowed to accumulate.
Flammable articles, typewriter covers and rubbish of all kinds must be kept away from switchboard, wires and instruments.

962. Agents must acquaint themselves with the business interests of the people among whom they are situated, use all proper means to secure traffic and act with the view of accommodating the public, and promoting the best interests of the railroad, notifying the proper officer of anything affecting his department, detrimental thereto or conducive to its good, present or prospective.

963. Agents shall report promptly to the superintendent any information of possible action by Federal, State, County, Township, Municipal or other authority, corporation or individual coming to their notice which will in any way affect the railroad.

964. All cases of robbery or attempted robbery, theft of property belonging to or in charge of the railroad, damage to property by fire or storm, personal injury or other unusual occurrences at or in the vicinity of station, must be promptly reported by wire to the superintendent.

965. Notices to the public must be neatly posted in conspicuous places in the station; other advertising matter must not be posted on the premises except when properly authorized, and then only at places designated for that purpose. Train bulletin boards must be kept in a neat condition and must bear such current information regarding trains as is required by instructions or by law.

966. Agents must familiarize themselves with the boundaries of the railroad property at their stations, and must not permit any encroachment thereon.
Unless provided for by lease, they must not allow any commodities to be placed on grounds or right-of-way at their stations for the purpose of storage without written permission from the superintendent, and then only after release on prescribed form has been executed by the owner.

967. Agents must preserve order in and about the station, and must not permit intoxicated or disorderly persons or loungers to interfere with the comfort or convenience of patrons nor with train or station employes’ duties. Agents must not permit beggars, peddlers and unauthorized solicitors to operate on railroad premises.

968. Agents will indicate the locations where taxis, trucks and other vehicles are permitted to stand at the station, prohibiting them from occupying or driving on station platform.
They must not permit bicycle or other such riding on station platform. .

969. When their duties are in any way connected with the transportation or handling of United States Mail, agents and operators must be familiar with and be governed by the instructions relative thereto.

970. Agents must give prompt attention to correspondence; keep the records and accounts promptly and neatly compiled in the manner prescribed by the departments to which they relate, and submit them to the travelling auditor or other authorized officer for examination as may be required. Tariffs must be properly filed.

971. Except where conditions require, agents must not permit material or cars to be placed near public crossings in such position as to prevent a clear view of approaching trains.
As far as practicable, they must see that brakes are set on cars at their station, and when cars are standing on a grade or brakes are defective, that wheels are securely blocked.

972. When unloading of cars is delayed by refusal of consignee to accept freight, or from any other cause, agents must report the matter to the proper officer and obtain disposition therefor. If company material is not unloaded promptly, the superintendent must be notified.

973. Agents must make every effort to see that cars are moved promptly and notify superintendent when they are unduly delayed. Conductors must be furnished necessary switch list.

974. When cars are set out short of destination, agent must wire the superintendent the contents, destination and why and where set out. The date and train in which such cars are forwarded must also be reported. Prompt report must be made of the completion of repairs to bad order cars.

975. Agents must see that all freight loaded is safely and properly stowed and, when necessary, see that it is securely fastened to prevent - loss or damage by falling, shifting, chafing, breaking or by contact with any contaminating substance.

976. The required cards or placards must be applied to cars as indicated by the special instructions relating thereto and all old cards, except home route and defect or repair cards, must be removed before cars are forwarded.

977. Less-than-carload freight to be loaded or unloaded must be checked and anything irregular noted on the waybill.
All freight which requires shelter must be promptly placed in freight house or in cars.

978. Offices, freight and baggage rooms must be locked, and cars containing freight which can be closed must be sealed or locked at all times, except when the agent or other authorized person is in immediate charge thereof.
Seals must be kept in a secure place and the required seal records made.

979. Freight, baggage, mail or express must not be left between main tracks, nor within six feet of the edge of main track platforms.

980. Skids, trucks and scales, when not in use, should be placed in baggage room or warehouse. If necessary to leave them on platforms, they should be lined up at the end or in the rear of station building. When left on platforms, trucks must have wheels chained or otherwise secured and handles hooked up.

981. Women, children or persons incompetent to take care off livestock or other freight must not be permitted by agents to act as attendants.

TRAIN DISPATCHERS

990. Train dispatchers will issue train orders and must transmit and record them as prescribed by the rules. They must make the various records required and must comply with special instructions, including "Train Dispatchers Manual", where provided.

991. Train dispatchers must report immediately to the chief train dispatcher any irregularity relating to the movement of trains or the handling and execution of train orders.

992. Train dispatchers must guard against dangerous conditions in train movements and must not issue improper or unsafe combinations in train orders.
When a train order is not understood or if there is any doubt as to there being a common understanding, the train order must be annulled and another order issued

back to contents


LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND ACCIDENTS
M.ST.P.&S.S.M. R.R.
D.S.S.&A. R.R.
M.&ST.L. RY.

1251. Whenever it shall come to the knowledge of any official or employe of the company by published notice or otherwise, that work or improvement is proposed by the county, township, municipal or other authority which in any way affects this company, all information upon the subject must be sent at once to the division superintendent together with the notice, if any, served in such matter. It is important that the earliest information should be had of any intended improvements, etc., in order that the company’s interests may be fully protected.

1252. Whenever service of summons or any legal paper is made on an officer, agent or employe with reference to the business of the railway, he must at once telegraph the general counsel at Minneapolis, and notify the superintendent. Telegraphic report should state name of plaintiff, and when possible, what the case grows out of. Date of service must always be given. The paper or papers served should be sent by first mail to the general counsel.

1253. If, by process of law, freight or baggage is seized, check must be surrendered, all charges must be collected, and a receipt for the property obtained before delivery is made to an officer of the law. Full report, with enclosure of papers, must follow as directed in Rule 1252.

1254. Whenever garnishment or attachment is served on an officer or agent, he must at once telegraph the general counsel, treasurer and superintendent, giving names of parties, also occupation and location of defendant, and forward papers served, as directed in Rule 1252.
Fees fixed by law must be demanded and forwarded to the treasurer.

1255. In all cases of doubt as to proper action, officers and agents will wire the general counsel particulars, and obtain his advice before acting.

next

back to contents

Diese Seite wurde zusammengestellt von / This page was created by Wolfgang Dudler.
Eine Verantwortung für Fehler und Unterlassungen wird ausdrücklich abgelehnt.
Responsibility for errors and ommissions is expressively rejected.

© Wolfgang Dudler