Sitting in the vestibule when seats are available

[Mutant Lemming]

A good point raised, train floors are absurdly filthy.

The seats aren't exactly up to operating theatre standards.

 

[Deepgreen]

I've been known to sit on the floor if it's busy on long stretches without stops, for example Paddington - Reading or Taunton - Bristol. Once slowing for a station and people are moving around I'll get up though, and stand where stations are closer together. I'm always very aware that I might be getting in the way, and will try to avoid doing so, but if there's no one moving around I can't see how it hurts to sit.

If there's obviously real seats free though then I can't see why anyone would prefer the floor.

Which was the OP's point.

 

[lyndhurst25]

I've stood or sat in the vestibules many a time, due to me having really muddy hiking boots and not wanting to dirty the carpets in the carriage.

 

[RichmondCommu]

Our grown up twins are both studying at Nottingham Uni and often travel there and back together. Although they always book in advance (and so have reservations) they will take it in turns to sit by their rucksacks at the end of the carriage for security reasons. I realise that this is not ideal but they won't be talked out of it.

 

[Deepgreen]

I've stood or sat in the vestibules many a time, due to me having really muddy hiking boots and not wanting to dirty the carpets in the carriage.

"Kindly keep your feet off the floor please - people have got to sit on that!"

 

[mark-h]

Those of you who sit on the floor particularly in the doorways, smell your clothes afterwards.

I've seen every ungodly substance from liquid dog mess, to vomit, to deicing chemicals and air conditioning coolant going into those mats. Consequently I wouldn't touch them with my clothing if you paid me a large amount of money. Treat them as you would a damp stretch of pavement.

People don't seem to realise/care how dirty the floors are in public areas. I used to work in a cinema and customers took off their shoes in the screen and then went to the toilet only wearing their socks. The carpet in the screens was bad enough, the toilet floor was visibly unclean at times.

 

[howittpie]

On the 19.32 St Pancras to Leeds and there are 3 lads sat in vestabule in first class can't be using the WiFi as there isn't any and has been announced as such. Train manager hasn't moved them but they did get run over by the trolley.

 

[trainophile]

On the 19.32 St Pancras to Leeds and there are 3 lads sat in vestabule in first class can't be using the WiFi as there isn't any and has been announced as such. Train manager hasn't moved them but they did get run over by the trolley.

Are there any seats available at that time on a Friday night?

 

[howittpie]

As they haven't reached standard class they would never know. They got off at Luton Airport Parkway where the exit was at the rear of the train so that probably explains it from experience there are usually seats at the front of the train. EMT never seem any busier on a Friday off St Pancras.

 

[RonnieMac]

I usually prefer to sit or stand in the vestibule, particularly at busy times, for the following reasons:

1) It is, usually, quieter (I am referring here to the self-enclosed vestibules between carriages) - I find that listening to other people's random chatter/mobile phone conversations/screaming kids etc. really irritates and annoys me, particularly if I am trying to read, which I quite often do on long train journeys (and before anyone asks, I don’t usually have cause to travel on trains which have designated 'quiet' carriages).

2) Likewise, if I myself need to make a telephone conversation, I do not wish other people to overhear it, nor do I wish to subject them to the sound of my voice.

3) On sunny days, I do not like to be in the glare of the sun (why aren't window blinds fitted as standard?), and the vestibule is usually shadier.

As another poster mentioned, one of my favourite places to sit is in the cycle area of a 158 (although obviously I will move if a cyclist comes aboard, and I keep out of the way of the guard when they are operating the doors).

I think that whilst these days physical disabilities are well catered for, as indeed they should be, that this issue actually highlights a lack of awareness and understanding of *mental* health issues - not everyone is cut from the same ilk, and whilst many people enjoy having people around them, some do not and I personally find it annoying if the guard suggests to me that there are vacant seats in the main body of the carriages - I am choosing to sit in the vestibule as it is my preference and generally gives me a much pleasanter travelling experience, according to my criteria!

If there are no tip-up seats in the vestibule then I would still choose to stand there rather than to sit in a crowded carriage.

 

[fandroid]

If a passenger has a big bag it can be quite daunting to lug it through a coach in search of a seat. Some folk are really worried that if they cannot see their bag, then it's going to disappear within seconds. Having travelled with bags on trains for decades, I am totally relaxed about leaving them on remote racks. The only worry is forgetting where I left them! For the instance reported here I strongly suspect the free wi-fi is the issue. I deeply resent (to the point of silliness) having to pay for it!

On the SWT main line it is quite common to have people standing in the vestibules when a diligent search will just about always reveal an empty seat (at the far end of a 10 coach train!)

 

[trainophile]

I do wish people with big bags or backpacks would be a bit more considerate when passing through the train, and try not to bash everyone on the back of the head or shoulder as they go through! They usually seem oblivious, so don't even apologise.

 

[al78]

I think that whilst these days physical disabilities are well catered for, as indeed they should be, that this issue actually highlights a lack of awareness and understanding of *mental* health issues - not everyone is cut from the same ilk, and whilst many people enjoy having people around them, some do not and I personally find it annoying if the guard suggests to me that there are vacant seats in the main body of the carriages - I am choosing to sit in the vestibule as it is my preference and generally gives me a much pleasanter travelling experience, according to my criteria!

Perhaps a private car is more suitable than PUBLIC transport for these people.

I doubt that the majority of those sitting on the floor in the vestibule instead of using an empty seat have a mental condition.

 

[gsnedders]

Our grown up twins are both studying at Nottingham Uni and often travel there and back together. Although they always book in advance (and so have reservations) they will take it in turns to sit by their rucksacks at the end of the carriage for security reasons. I realise that this is not ideal but they won't be talked out of it.

They're also told to not leave their luggage unattended at any point, which probably only reinforces the behaviour. Especially combined with messages like "any unattended baggage may be removed and destroyed by the security services". I don't want my bag destroyed, the only space is at the end of the coach away from me where it would hence be unattended, therefore I must be at the end of the coach.