Which Metro Rail are you talking about? Most systems stop running at night so that engineering works and general maintenance can take place, especially on underground/subway systems.

If men learned how to keep their hands to themselves it would not be necessary/

I assume you do not want your mother sister daughter or wife man handled on the trains..

You completed step one. Tomorrow is step two. You will have someone with you.

Keep your hands out of the machinery and DO NOT walk outside the safe areas.

The machines that move stuff about are big and they will run you over. They cannot see you sometimes.

Unfortunately (for you) the conductors see people try this excuse every day. Why should he believe you?

Sounds to me like you'll be going to court soon.

BTW - don't read Les Miserables, by Hugo any time soon. Guy ends up in prison for 19 years just for stealing a loaf of bread (well that, and breaking a window.)

You can't go non-stop by train. It's a two-train trip: the first from LA to Chicago on the Amtrak Southwest Chief, where you would change to a second train to NY/NJ (probably Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited). Both trains offer either coach seats or private compartments.

The best thing is to call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL and discuss your needs. They will tell you the price (fairly cheap via coach and more expensive with a compartment).