Service stop

Minot, population 58,795, is a major 20-minute stop where the train is serviced and all the smokers step out to get their fix. The local septic tank company has the contract to pump out the toilets. The little cement block building in the background is the station, and the train stretches way past it. Cell phone users were surprised to find themselves roaming on USA 590 (Cellular One), yet another of those independent providers that used to predominate in the analog era. They still have market power in the rural areas, but their position is steadily eroding as the major providers expand their networks.

The conductor, at left, is not inspecting the operation but trying to locate a passenger who'd overshot his stop.