Should there be clearer signage to avoid conflicts on trains?

[Bletchleyite]

As an extension to the one about tip-up seats - should we have more signage making clear "social norms" on trains?

Examples:

• If seat reservations are not shown on the displays, they are not in force - in that case please take any available seat (or the opposite policy - the key is that everyone knows what the policy is!)
• If there is a dispute as to the position of the window blind, it should remain open (or closed - again, the key is that there is a stated default)
• Do not play electronic devices so they can be heard by other passengers under any circumstances
• Tip-up seats (see the thread on those!) must be given up if the primary user of the space requires them

We obviously wouldn't want too many (though I know the Dutch and Germans like "house rules" on entry to things, and the ex-Abellio TOCs do this too) but I do think there are a few things where arguments would be reduced significantly if one could, if necessary, simply tap a sign that states the default in case of dispute. We have it for smoking (and in Merseyrail's case feet on seats) - why not for other things that cause arguments?

 

[Egg Centric]

No. An argument isn't the end of the world, anyway. Let the people's republic of coach K decide!

 

[Bletchleyite]

No. An argument isn't the end of the world, anyway. Let the people's republic of coach K decide!

I thought prior to Standard Premium that was traditionally known as "the messroom"?

 

[lachlan]

I would definitely support the second two - the last point on tip-up seats is easy to implement with a sign at the seats in question. Tackling noise may be better as a general campaign with posters on trains and stations and guards reminding passengers during journeys.

On seat reservations, in my experience passengers are quick to explain that they're not in operation but if the Class 800s etc can be programmed to add a notice to the displays (rather than leaving them blank) that could reduce confusion.

On window blinds I've never witnessed an argument over this personally - perhaps a carefully worded notice could be added? Not sure it's really necessary

 

[Bletchleyite]

On seat reservations, in my experience passengers are quick to explain that they're not in operation but if the Class 800s etc can be programmed to add a notice to the displays (rather than leaving them blank) that could reduce confusion.

The Avanti units seem to display "Seat reservations not available at present" if they aren't working, but that isn't quite explaining it properly, it's a bit non-committal.

On window blinds I've never witnessed an argument over this personally - perhaps a carefully worded notice could be added? Not sure it's really necessary

I've had an issue on SNCF once, we agreed to compromise on half way so I could slouch and look out. Interestingly French trains and buses used to have signs along the lines of "if there is a dispute on the position of the window it is to be closed" but they didn't carry this forward to blinds. Personally I'd rather they were all removed and for first class curtains reinstated so each window seat occupant can choose individually.

 

[Trackman]

I thought prior to Standard Premium that was traditionally known as "the messroom"?

Correct. Pick up a lot of info from drivers and TM's in SP now, usually from Preston heading north

• Tip-up seats (see the thread on those!) must be given up if the primary user of the space requires them

Not seen that one, will seek it out.

 

[Egg Centric]

Correct. Pick up a lot of info from drivers and TM's in SP now, usually from Preston heading north

I had a bit of an odd one in SP on Sunday, a Scotrail member of staff being a bit emotional cause she hadn't asked for permission to sit there and the train manager pointed it out. He was perfectly nice about it and just warning her that she should check with him first, she wasn't far off tears!