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VIDEO: Spotted on today’s Crescent: GrandLuxe (American Orient Express) and Conductor Steve Fritter’s last southbound run
Last night and today’s trip is unique in that the passengers aboard this train were witness to two of passenger railroading’s finest examples of what it means to travel “the elegant way:” GrandLuxe (formerly the American Orient Express) and Conductor Steve Fritter, who, about to retire, made his final southbound voyage from Washington to Charlottesville.
Before watching the video, let me just say a few words about Steve Fritter. My parents live in Culpeper, Virginia, which the Crescent and Cardinal service directly from Baltimore (where I live), and over the years, my wife and I have gotten to know Steve in the sense that a regular passenger gets to know a conductor. You’re not personal friends, per se, but he knows when you’re getting off, and you know what his routine is, where he’s going to open the doors, etc. I can say, without hesitation, that Steve is the finest Amtrak conductor I have ever encountered. Not only is the guy courteous, as any conductor should be, Steve took it upon himself to make sure that every passenger got personal, friendly attention, and no matter the curve balls some passengers threw Steve, I never saw him really rattled even once. Here’s a good example: as we shook hands and went our separate ways tonight, Steve looked me in the eye, and said, “Thanks, Rafi. Have a great trip.” I’ve mentioned my name to him exactly once. And he remembered it, and let’s be frank, it’s a weird name to remember.
It’s selfish of me, but part of me doesn’t want to see the guy go, frankly. I’ve always looked forward to riding the Crescent down to Culpeper with him aboard, and the train just won’t be the same.
Now, on to the video:
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