ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Freight Train Riders of America

Okay kiddo, let me explain Freight Train Riders of America (FTRA) to you in a way that you can understand it easily.

Have you ever seen a really long train with lots of cargo moving on it? Those trains are called freight trains, and they are used to carry goods all over the country.

Now, some people who don't have a home or a place to stay, or who just want to see more of the country, choose to ride these freight trains for free instead of taking a car or a airplane. They are called train hoppers or hobos.

But, riding a freight train can be really dangerous and illegal too because you can get hurt, arrested or even die if you don't know what you're doing. The FTRA is a group of people who ride freights regularly and teach others how to do it safely, share information about the best trains to take, the best routes to follow, and how to stay out of trouble. They also help each other out when necessary.

However, FTRA has also been associated with dangerous activities, such as robbery, assault, drug use, and even murder. That's why law enforcement authorities monitor this group closely, and they are not always welcomed in towns or cities where they stop.

So, remember kiddo, freight train hopping might seem like a fun adventure, but it's not safe or legal. It's better to find a safer way to explore the world.
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