Not only transients...

Back in the good old days, it was also common for "Boomer" railroaders to travel by side-door Pullman from one job to the next boom. This would make them "Tramps," as they were travelling between jobs, as opposed to "Bums," who would not work.
Not narrow-gauge, but I found myselt without transportation one time while working as a telegrapher on the Illinois Central in the 60's. I had to get from Champaign to Springfield to work second trick at Avenue Tower, 90 miles away. I could have deadheaded on an IC train but would have had to go way north and then double back southwest on the St. Louis line ... a long way around. So, I got a ride to Decatur and "caught out" on a fast westbound N&W (ex-Wabash) freight from the Hobo Jungle on the west side of town. The old Wabash was well-known for fast running, and we were continually passing cars on the highway. At Springfield I had to detrain from my empty auto rack at about 25 MPH and barely kept my feet under me. I still have fond memories of that trip. BTW, I wouldn't do it nowdays - besides my being older, it has become even more dangerous due to gang members, etc.
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