Why do people refer to an engineer as a driver and running a train as driving a train ?

[wabash1]

Geez. I didnt know i was so confused, I dont ride a bike I drive one. The last bonnet i looked under got me a black eye. the hood is in LA the cripts have it. I didnt know people eat farts .. I know i dont , i gave them up.

[Murphy Siding]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ValleyX

QUOTE: Originally posted by electro-ortcele

Well, in my language the english words "drive, ride, and run" are same as the word "drive".
Exept when you talk about horses, then there is a separate word for ride, but we don't say ride a bike, because ride is only used for animals.

So, you go bike driving instead of bike riding? I had no idea you blokes did it that way!

My kids always give me a hard time, when I mention *sled ridding*. That's what we called it as kids.[:)]

[amtrakjackson]

IMO, it's because many of the same people in the general public that say "drive" a train in the US actually DO believe locomotives have a steering wheel. You'd be surprised at how many people think they have one.