Mounting or dismounting a while a train is in-motion is called doing so “on the fly.” This is one of the most dangerous parts of this whole game. Many stories about tramps getting maimed or killed involve hopping on the fly, often on trains that are going too fast. If in doubt at all, don't hop on the fly.
Is it possible to walk on a moving train?
Anyone who's seen a film like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, which features a character running along a train roof, will know it's possible – as long as the train isn't moving too fast.
Is train surfing illegal in the US?
The most common form of penalty for train surfers is a fine, however, in some countries, such as the United States or Canada, train surfers can be not only fined, but imprisoned too.
Is it possible to hop on a moving train?
Can someone stand on top of a moving train?
Standing on top of a moving train is extremely dangerous and illegal. It can result in serious injury or death. We urge everyone who sees someone standing on top of a train to call 911 immediately.”
Why do people hop trains?
Some left to escape poverty or troubled families, others because it seemed a great adventure. At the height of the Great Depression, more than 250,000 teenagers were living on the road in America. Many criss-crossed the country by hopping freight trains, although it was both dangerous and illegal.
Is it illegal to train hop in the US?
Although riding trains for free (train-hopping) is illegal, it is one of the most viable ways to get out of the city for free. In most passenger trains (NJ Transit, Amtrak, etc.), the only way to ride for free is to hide in a bathroom or display a "Seat Check" ticket found on the ground or from a previous ride.