Durring the great depession people that hoped on trains to get somewere were called what? doing what?

Question

like hobos but there is a phrase

Answer 1

Commuters

Answer 2

All I've ever heard them called was hobos (nearly extinct) or, more recently, "bummies."

But, if you are looking for the term "Boomer," those were railroad employees, not hobos, that would follow the work around the country as it moved, such as season fruit business, etc.  When out and about following that work, they were said to be "on the boomer trail."

During the great depression, the old boxcars had several steel truss rods that ran lengthwise under the car to strengthen it.  They were like an inverted cantelever, with room between them and the box car floor.  It also made for as good a place as any to ride.  Back then, you didn't want to be discovered, or serious bodily injury would be the result.  At best you'd be arrested.  Riding underneath also allowed for a quick escape from the opposite side the trainman was on if necessary.

When doing this, the hobos were said to be "riding the rods."

Answer 3

Freight hopping. Hobo originated from the post civil war with hoe boys riding trains looking for farm work.

Answer 4

riding the rails