ANd 98% of the time nothing else will be done... not unless you have photograhic / videographic proof of them being arseholes then nothing will be done. 99% of the time the TOC's come out in support of their station staff.
If there's one thing I've learnt these last couple of years about complaints to TOCs then it is they are a waste of time completely.
I was involved in an incident at Brighton where a long handled broom fell on my head as I was walking to get on the train and on raising the issue with the nearest member of staff I received a torrent of abuse saying that it wasn't his fault and what should he do about it. Making a bad situation worse.
On complaint to Southern (both by phone and letter) I was 'assured' an investigation would take place into the incident (yeah, as if) and that the appropriate disciplinary action would be taken (even less likely). In three dealings with them about the incident I did not receive a single apology. All the TOCs care about is their shareholders and passengers are the least of the worries (well that's what it feels like from my perspective).
Back on topic, I remember trying to photograph the Solaris at Charing Cross a couple of years ago (January 2005 I think it was) to be told
I couldn't photograph the boards for 'security reasons' (and she specifically said the boards as well). If I'm not allowed to know when a train leaves what's the point in publishing timetables?
I was about to leave anyway so I just put my camera away and went to the Tube. I couldn't exactly argue because she was rude enough to actually be on her phone at the time (and after ensuring I had stopped just strolled off), but if I did I doubt it would of got me anywhere.
If it says on the Network Rail site that we can help to be 'extra eyes and ears' in times of high security, why are we confonted in such a rude way? I'm sure we wouldn't have any problems with being told to move on IF it was done in a polite manner.
), but apart from that, it's all been fine!
