Trains should have dedicated spaces for unfolded prams/pushchairs

[Peter0124]

I'm surprised that there still isn't a dedicated pram space on most trains, especially intercity ones like Avanti/LNER.

They say they must be folded but how can you realistically fold a pram if you are holding a baby? Or what if they're asleep (and you don't want to disturb other passengers in the coach). Surely it would just be easier for families to park the pram in somewhere, not the disabled space obviously but there really should be a dedicated pram space. Also one setup so the family can sit facing the pram (ie not using those tip-up seats).

If bikes can get accomodated, why not families with prams? And this is coming from someone who isn't even a parent!

Some twitter links about the above issue (mind you this is over 2 years old so it's possible things may have changed):
Just look at the comment to like ratio!

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[pokemonsuper9]

They can easily fit in most bike/wheelchair spaces when they're not being used.

Trains with doors in the middle of carriages rather than ends are probably much better for this.
150s or 195s could definitely fit a decent number of bikes/wheelchairs/buggies.

 

[Peter0124]

They can easily fit in most bike/wheelchair spaces when they're not being used.

True, though how come bikes get priority over those with prams? Understandable that wheelchair users are top priority though.

 

[pokemonsuper9]

True, though how come bikes get priority over those with prams? Understandable that wheelchair users are top priority though.

I'd argue bikes are a more nessecary means of transport, a perfect partner for the railway, especially if a station is a bit away from both destinations.
You could probably fit 3 or 4 bikes for 1 buggy with some creative organisation.

 

[Bletchleyite]

True, though how come bikes get priority over those with prams? Understandable that wheelchair users are top priority though.

Because all modern prams fold (so they can be put in cars), whereas most bicycles do not.

If a classic Silver Cross was boarded I'd happily move my bike, but I'm yet to ever see one on a train.

 

[zwk500]

They can easily fit in most bike/wheelchair spaces when they're not being used.

Trains with doors in the middle of carriages rather than ends are probably much better for this.
150s or 195s could definitely fit a decent number of bikes/wheelchairs/buggies.

That's fine on routes where bikes are rare, but on a lot of my local lines it's very common to have multiple bikes and a pushchair or two. One problem around here is that the 165s have really cramped vestibules that make it hard to get anything down the aisle either side (including a person, on the 2+3 seating layouts).

 

[Peter0124]

Fair point on the bikes, though it still doesn't excuse the lack of pram spaces on trains particularly intercity ones. Whilst they can use it if it's not needed by a bike, what happens if it is? Like I said how is it practical to fold a pram whilst holding a baby and then you add all the other stuff a pram would store (eg toys, shopping etc).

 

[adc82140]

The pram we had (this is 10 years ago) had a neat car seat attachment. You could clip the car seat onto the base instead of the pram top. So when we travelled by train, if he was asleep, the car seat with handle came off and the base was folded, all without waking him up.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Fair point on the bikes, though it still doesn't excuse the lack of pram spaces on trains particularly intercity ones. Whilst they can use it if it's not needed by a bike, what happens if it is? Like I said how is it practical to fold a pram whilst holding a baby and then you add all the other stuff a pram would store (eg toys, shopping etc).

Mothers (as it always was back then) always managed to have 3 pairs of hands and do so when boarding a high floor bus quickly and without faff or complaint. People have just got lazy, just like the way they won't put airline size hand luggage in the overheads despite it basically always easily fitting.

 

[WirralLine]

I'm a father of 3, with the first 2 kids I was a regular pram/buggy user on the Mersey 507/8 fleets - always easy enough as they can use the wheelchair user space (of which a 50X has 2) when not being used by a wheelchair user - failing that you could try one of the 2 bike areas (when not used for storing bikes) or as a last resort in the wide doorways moving to the side which isn't opening at the next stop.

Of course with my latest child, the fleet is now mostly 777s - and I found it very difficult to find anywhere to put the pram other than standing by the doors as the wheelchair space tip up seats are often occupied (and are smaller than a 50X). Ive since noticed travelling solo, that a number of "normal" seats throughout the train have tip up bottoms designed especially to make space for prams/buggies - however there is no signage on the exterior of the train, and the signage inside is very easy to miss!

My biggest issue using trains (and working on them on another TOC) is that the majority of cyclists put their bikes wherever they like - usually either in the PRM space or blocking doors, rather than using designated cycle spaces, which then knackers limited spaces up for those with prams (and causes hassle keeping the PRM space clear for those with disabilities who require it).

 

[norbitonflyer]

Long time ago now, but when I was a regular commuter with a baby buggy (usually 455s) there would be room in the doorways, but if the Young Master was awake and there were seats available I would fold the buggy and use the seats. Despite opposition from the YM, I would insist he sat on my lap if there were standing passengers.

On buses, I managed to convince him for some time that upstairs is for First Class ticket holders.

On the tube, I will give up my seat for a child - or indeed anyone not tall enough to reach the straphangers - but expect children to sit two to a seat if they are small enough