Usually you have to start as a conductor to move to engineer. Not really sure what the pay is, but I know car attendants do pretty well (+50K) with tips and all. I've riden Amtrak quite a few times, and their trains are always sold out, even in the middle of North Dakota or something. Obviously related to gas prices. As far as getting a discount, the airlines would have to offer them discounts, and I don't think thats happening.