The person in charge of operating a train is called an “engineer” in the United States and Canada, while in the UK and other countries, the term “driver” is commonly used. The title “engineer” comes from the early days of rail travel, when operating a steam locomotive required both mechanical skill and a detailed understanding of the engine’s workings.

Train engineers are highly trained professionals responsible for the safety and punctuality of their trains. They must know every detail of their route, from speed limits to signal meanings and emergency procedures. While “pilot” and “captain” are reserved for planes and ships, the train engineer is the master of the rails, commanding powerful locomotives over vast distances and through all kinds of weather.

Every train journey depends on the skill and attention of these unsung heroes.