I believe that South Wales has a less than honourable position in the passenger violence league.
Living in South Wales, I sadly have to agree that there are some problems.
Yes I was chatting to a guard on the wag who was telling me there's always one train at night that's full of drunken louts throwing up and swearing as he said it's just not worth it. During the day I would hope there's always someone on the train that's more than happy to help drag a violent person off the train. Sadly though voilence towards staff has happened. But as I said if a train is full of drunks then I don't blame the guard for not gripping
I was interested to see what happened the other Sunday night in Swansea, when returning from Manchester. The 2231 from Cardiff to Fishguard was diverted through the Vale of Glamorgan line and was in Swansea at around midnight as a result. Some drunk lads came running down platform 1, whooping and shouting, before boarding the train. One then sat down, and appeared to be on the point of vomiting (if not actually so) when the conductor and driver appeared from opposite ends to find out what was going on. What they did was to get the youth into the toilet before he did any damage and have a little chat with his friends. I don;t know what was said, but we set off a few minutes later and the conductor kept a very close eye on them!
Now, these lads appeared to be more exuberant than loutish, but how do the train crew know that until they approach and talk to them? It could all have very easily turned nasty, so I am glad that they ensured that the drunks were OK, and not going to cause any trouble!
Unfortunately "the law" sees it differently and it would probably be the guard in court for inciting the violence (by asking to see the ticket) and not the #### who really started it. Not to mention the guard would be in trouble with his TOC and their "no touching" policy, for fear of being sued.
A guards job is a thankless one at the best of times, but when you are dealing with drunks it really isn't worth it.
There have been a few instances where things have kicked off, the guard is taken to court, found not guilty and still loses his job, so most stay out the way and I don't blame then one little bit as they have very little to gain and so much to lose.
Always strikes me as strange that management tell guards what to do but are never seen on trains after about 8 o'clock, cant think why!
You are right, it's a pity the TOC's aren;t more interested in protecting their own staff and well behaved passengers. Like many other parts of our society, they seem to have given up and tolerate anti social behaviour to the detriment of the majority, who will either refuse to travel, or have a very poor travelling experience on weekend nights, unless they are also completely trolleyed like the yobs!
