Some customers can be so rude

[HSTfan!!!]

I've seen people be late getting to the exits, and once the doors close that's it!

at which point it's so tempting to wave and chuckle to oneself.

 

[455driver]

Mumrar, you sir are a star indeed.
I would have loved to have seen the look on his face when you reeled that lot off

 

[LE Greys]

Luggage causes problems in vestibules quite a lot. It seems to be worst around the beginnings/ends of university terms and the summer holidays. HSTs have nice, big racks at both ends of the coaches and plenty of space in the guard's compartment, Electras are even better with the DVT, but some people don't seem to know how to use them. Most of the time, I put my trunk in the van (especially when going to Aberdeen, the train terminates there) but I suppose quite a few people suspect that they won't have time to collect it. Fair enough, but so many either put their cases in the racks flat instead of side-on (taking up a whole shelf) or just dump the thing in the vestibule and ignore it. That's a nightmare at Darlo, where the door is on the other side. I often find myself asking them if it's OK to move it. 50% say "thank you", about 25% aren't bothered, 15% ignore you and 10% get annoyed. Yes, I'm an interfering busybody, but I point out to them that it's not just an nuisance, it's in the way for people getting off, blocks staff access and the trolley, and very dangerous if the train catches fire. I fail to understand why they can't do something sensible and considerate. On my last run, the guard made an announcement to say that anything in the vestibules would be moved to the van at Waverley. People still got annoyed. Whatever happened to 'Do unto others as you would have done unto yourself'?

 

[jon0844]

I bet people laugh at you if you ever said that blocking doorways was dangerous.. yet if there was a major incident, I can already see the report that attributed a number of deaths to blocked doorways.

When you see an entire vestibule blocked off by buggies or bikes, such that the easiest way to get off is to actually walk from one car to another to get to another door, surely anyone can see there's a danger. And it's hardly likely that if something really bad happened the person(s) in charge of the bikes/bags/buggies will say 'hang on, let me go and move them' as everyone fights to get off.

It all makes a nonsense of reading the safety information when some passengers are actually signing a death warrant for fellow passengers, and possibly their own.

But, once again, suggest that to anyone and they'll think you're mad or a jobsworth.

 

[142094]

185s seem to be particularly bad for luggage blocking doors. The amount of times you see people having to use different doors due to luggage actually blocking the whole width of the door area is shocking, especially at peak times and in the big conurbations.

 

[EM2]

Applause to the OP for his (perfectly correct) response!
As for getting off, I made the mistake of taking the window seat in a group of three when getting on an evening-peak 315 at Liverpool Street.
I always sit in the second coach, and always get up when I see the platform ramp at Forest Gate pass the window.
Same on this particular day, and still couldn't get off by the time the doors shut and got carried past to Manor Park..

Now, I sit on the aisle seat of a pair, in the group nearest the doors.

 

[Lampshade]

185s seem to be particularly bad for luggage blocking doors. The amount of times you see people having to use different doors due to luggage actually blocking the whole width of the door area is shocking, especially at peak times and in the big conurbations.

That's because they have a commuter layout, virtually no luggage racks and they're run on express airport services, in other words - they're inadequate. Pendolinos aren't much cop either, the luggage is often stacked on top of and around the luggage racks and in the vestibules.

 

[Sir_Clagalot]

My wife regularly takes the buggy off me when we're out as I tend to aim for the idiots who look at me and the buggy yet still walk in front of me as if I was invisible. I have deliberately crashed into people who have done that and then shot them a dirty look!
Been on a Metro going to Newcastle Central, was at the door with the buggy just about touching the door when some impatient pillock decides to step infront of the buggy to get off first, how I didnt trip him up when the doors opened I dont know!!!

 

[142094]

That's because they have a commuter layout, virtually no luggage racks and they're run on express airport services, in other words - they're inadequate. Pendolinos aren't much cop either, the luggage is often stacked on top of and around the luggage racks and in the vestibules.

Since they were ordered specifically for the TPE franchise, where 99% of the journeys start and end at Manchester Aiport, would be common sense to put in better luggage storage, at least that's what you'd think?

I had a surprise last week at how much luggage a 142 can hold. The space between the doors and wheelchair area can hold 3 bikes, one pushchair, an amp, two large suitcases, a guitar and a large duffel bag. And the driver could still get out of his door (although with great difficulty)!

 

[Newportmuscles]

To the opening poster, I take my hat off too you

If it looks as though people are pushing onto a train, and I have my full kit (Old guards leather bag on the shoulder) then a twist on the hip so the bag connects with the rude passenger, and the comment about how much easier it is to allow passengers off before pushing your way on!!!

Have to remember the railway byelaw

 

[LE Greys]

I bet people laugh at you if you ever said that blocking doorways was dangerous.. yet if there was a major incident, I can already see the report that attributed a number of deaths to blocked doorways.

When you see an entire vestibule blocked off by buggies or bikes, such that the easiest way to get off is to actually walk from one car to another to get to another door, surely anyone can see there's a danger. And it's hardly likely that if something really bad happened the person(s) in charge of the bikes/bags/buggies will say 'hang on, let me go and move them' as everyone fights to get off.

It all makes a nonsense of reading the safety information when some passengers are actually signing a death warrant for fellow passengers, and possibly their own.

But, once again, suggest that to anyone and they'll think you're mad or a jobsworth.

I'm just a passenger, but I'll add my voice to the masses, good for all those staff who try to keep things a little more courteous, it's good for everybody.

 

[mumrar]

Yep, summed up well, these byelaws are meant to make the railways a safe and pleasant place to travel, but all too often this is ruined by an idiotic minority.

 

[The_Stig]

I have to take my hats off to Conductors/Ticket examiners. I have seen them in some situations and they have always handled it well.

I'm afraid I would have more of a 'pick a window' attitude towards the numpties they deal with!

 

[TDK]

I always keep my backpacks (yes 2 of them) on when on the tube when going to/from uni - because the suitcase takes up far more room anyway and I'm taking so much stuff that if I took them off I wouldnt be able to keep track of it all. But I don't suppose that was what you were talking about?

Especially as if a train is overcrowded I will often wait for the next one rather than barge on board.

Back packs are a pain in the ass, I think they should be taken off when travelling on a train or in a public place, pub, shop etc. I am only knee high to a grasshopper and on occasions have had a whack in the chops from a back pack, also had a pint knocked out of my hand, so back packs off is the best solution in my book

 

[MidnightFlyer]

Just to bring the pram debate back up - when out with my baby brother (in a pram), we alwatys put him in a bike or disbaled area, or those areas woith fold up seats. We will always happily move should a bike or whellchair needd their designated space, but will never stand in the doorways unless a) we are geting off or b) there simply is nowhere else (such as on FCC's great northern trains. We only ever fold the pram up on journeys longer than 30-45 mins, and keep it up when he's asleep. Oh,, and we always stand in the doors, when we have to, on th right, and not the back set of doors, so to ot inconvenience people alighting from the left to the platform and also not to get in the TM's way

 

[Solent&Wessex]

Since they were ordered specifically for the TPE franchise, where 99% of the journeys start and end at Manchester Aiport, would be common sense to put in better luggage storage, at least that's what you'd think?

I had a surprise last week at how much luggage a 142 can hold. The space between the doors and wheelchair area can hold 3 bikes, one pushchair, an amp, two large suitcases, a guitar and a large duffel bag. And the driver could still get out of his door (although with great difficulty)!

Although the 185s do not have the best luggage layout, it is very difficult to balance. At peak times on many flows into Manchester, Leeds, Preston etc there is no luggage at all so the luggage racks are a waste of space. On Saturday daytimes and school holidays you need a buggy coach as you try and squeeze loads of the wretched things on board. At other times you need mountains of luggage space.

You will be surprised how much luggage the 185s can actually hold though. With efficient use of overhead racks, space between seat backs and the bike area you can actually get quite a lot on. The problem is no body uses the space properly and it descends into chaos.

 

[222666]

Oxford can be pretty bad for this. I was at the door on a 165, finger on the button, a wall of people in front of me. They tried to push forward like I was invisible to them, so they got shoulder barged. Was tempted to push them away with may hands but I think shoulder barge may have been enough. Or maybe not .

 

[LE Greys]

Back packs are a pain in the ass, I think they should be taken off when travelling on a train or in a public place, pub, shop etc. I am only knee high to a grasshopper and on occasions have had a whack in the chops from a back pack, also had a pint knocked out of my hand, so back packs off is the best solution in my book

Sometimes it can be harder to take a backpack off without whacking someone (unless you can put your shoulder out whenever you like) than keeping it on. Usually, if it's that bad, it's best to back up against a wall/carriage side/internal partition. That way, you can lean on it, and don't have to worry about someone copping one from it.

Oxford can be pretty bad for this. I was at the door on a 165, finger on the button, a wall of people in front of me. They tried to push forward like I was invisible to them, so they got shoulder barged. Was tempted to push them away with may hands but I think shoulder barge may have been enough. Or maybe not .

I've known that to happen in various places (London Bridge in the peak for instance). Not sure whether it was sheer weight of numbers or impatience. I once saw someone with an umbrella plunge into the mob, the thing held out straight in front of him. People got out of the way very quickly.

 

[jon0844]

Although the 185s do not have the best luggage layout, it is very difficult to balance. At peak times on many flows into Manchester, Leeds, Preston etc there is no luggage at all so the luggage racks are a waste of space.

Could you not just have some areas with fold-down seats, with priority on luggage? Just like the Piccadilly Line - which makes it clear that the space is for bags first, people second.

Without the priority, all that would happen would be people insisting they can sit there over a suitcase.

You can also have this for bikes/buggies too. Ideally, it becomes a requirement which in turn enables TOCs to ask for longer trains or an increased service frequency as part of their franchise.

Of course, we probably need an accident with deaths attributed to blocked gangways or vestibules before that would happen.

 

[Sir_Clagalot]

If I know the train I am working is going to be busy, then I sometimes go through and 'restack' the luggage racks, often putting smaller softer bags behind the seats next to the racks, and buggies between seatbacks further in the coach. It usually results in twice as much luggage being able to fit on the racks, and Im talking HSTs here too!!

 

[Solent&Wessex]

Could you not just have some areas with fold-down seats, with priority on luggage? Just like the Piccadilly Line - which makes it clear that the space is for bags first, people second.

Without the priority, all that would happen would be people insisting they can sit there over a suitcase.

You can also have this for bikes/buggies too. Ideally, it becomes a requirement which in turn enables TOCs to ask for longer trains or an increased service frequency as part of their franchise.

Of course, we probably need an accident with deaths attributed to blocked gangways or vestibules before that would happen.

This is exactly what the 185s do have in one car. A large area with 4 - 5 fold down seats which is the bike area. There are a couple of nice big signs there which say these seats may be used when not required for a bike etc. The problem is, people get in the door, and sit on the first seat they see, and then refuse to budge so the bike or luggage can be put away safely. The number of times I send people with bikes, buggies and big luggage down to this space, and then when I get there a bit later doing tickets there are folk sat on the seats with the bike / buggy / luggage in the adjacent doorway. Normally, if I request folk to move they do, but not without a lot of grumbling and moaning.

 

[142094]

Although the 185s do not have the best luggage layout, it is very difficult to balance. At peak times on many flows into Manchester, Leeds, Preston etc there is no luggage at all so the luggage racks are a waste of space. On Saturday daytimes and school holidays you need a buggy coach as you try and squeeze loads of the wretched things on board. At other times you need mountains of luggage space.

I can well imagine how difficult it is to balance. The main flaw is that most of the routes that they are used on are overcrowded anyway (Manc - Leeds the prime example), especially on the commuter routes and peak times, and these trains still attract Airport travellers with loads of bags. Quite a few of them seem to be either lazy and just dump suitcases near the doors, or unable to put them anywhere else. Best plan would be for more stock but this won't happen for a while.

 

[jon0844]

Seems London Underground has figured that out by marking it the luggage area, and I can say that I've got people to move when going to Heathrow.

In reality, they have places to 'perch' rather than sit, so that's another benefit; depending on the size of your bags, you can actually put the bags up to the wall and then perch over them.

 

[scotsman]

I had around 20 passengers (see attached pic) on the line looking at the steam loco and taking pics (some had brought kids with them) of the loco. Can't say I was anywhere near as witty. "Oi! Everyone back up please". The majority ignored me, so I went down the ramp and had to chase them up "Excuse me, can you get back up there - this is an open/working railway" and I was met with tutting and grumbling (perhaps it was my tone?)

On the next trip at the same station I got asked the priceless question "Excuse me mate, does this sign mean I can't go down and get a picture of the train?", "Err, let's see....'Passengers must not pass this point', yes, yes it does"

do they think anything's different because it's a steam train?

 

[MidnightFlyer]

I had around 20 passengers (see attached pic) on the line looking at the steam loco and taking pics (some had brought kids with them) of the loco. Can't say I was anywhere near as witty. "Oi! Everyone back up please". The majority ignored me, so I went down the ramp and had to chase them up "Excuse me, can you get back up there - this is an open/working railway" and I was met with tutting and grumbling (perhaps it was my tone?)

On the next trip at the same station I got asked the priceless question "Excuse me mate, does this sign mean I can't go down and get a picture of the train?", "Err, let's see....'Passengers must not pass this point', yes, yes it does"

do they think anything's different because it's a steam train?

where do you work

 

[ralphchadkirk]

You were polite! You must have a high stress threshold, anyone doing that at my local would have got a not very polite "Back up on the platform now!"

 

[scotsman]

You were polite! You must have a high stress threshold, anyone doing that at my local would have got a not very polite "Back up on the platform now!"

now I think of it, it was more like "Everyone back up here now!"

I see someone trespassing (or about to) on the mainline I shout as loud as I can at them! Saw a wee kid halfway down the ramp at Prestonpans, bawled at him (along with 4 of my mates) then b*****ked his Grandad who was supposedly "looking after him".

I was on a school trip to London a few years back and a mate pointed out a woman about to lean down to collect a phone she dropped on the track, I yelled at her, got the teachers' attention - who dealt with it.

For that I got a letter from the LU Commander of the BTP and my MP.

 

[Solent&Wessex]

do they think anything's different because it's a steam train?

Yes. Thats why folk wander all over the main line where 75mph trains are running to get a picture of a steam train.

 

[Sapphire Blue]

This is exactly what the 185s do have in one car. A large area with 4 - 5 fold down seats which is the bike area. There are a couple of nice big signs there which say these seats may be used when not required for a bike etc. The problem is, people get in the door, and sit on the first seat they see, and then refuse to budge so the bike or luggage can be put away safely. The number of times I send people with bikes, buggies and big luggage down to this space, and then when I get there a bit later doing tickets there are folk sat on the seats with the bike / buggy / luggage in the adjacent doorway. Normally, if I request folk to move they do, but not without a lot of grumbling and moaning.

Perhaps if you suggested to the people who you are asking to move ( and maybe they may now have to stand) that they could sit in First Class for their inconveniance, you may get less grumbling and moaning.

 

[Solent&Wessex]

Perhaps if you suggested to the people who you are asking to move ( and maybe they may now have to stand) that they could sit in First Class for their inconveniance, you may get less grumbling and moaning.

And why should they sit in First Class?