Some customers can be so rude

[MCR247]

That's not really the same thing. The car is unlikely to have nipped to the toilet, leaving it's travelling companion to look after it's seat

Then couldn't you politely ask them to move. I don't see why they should have to ask to sit in a seat that to them isn't occupied. If it is, you can ask them to move, it isn't your seat

 

[jon0844]

I have offered to move if a group/family gets on and can all sit together by me moving. Given that some trains I am on are often fairly empty, I might still take the large open table for ample legroom (to stretch out) in preference to the seat I might then move to.

Quite often, the people you offer to move for are shocked and say it's okay for me to stay where I am - and split up! I guess that it's all too easy to say 'no' to anything you're asked these days!!

 

[Greenback]

Then couldn't you politely ask them to move. I don't see why they should have to ask to sit in a seat that to them isn't occupied. If it is, you can ask them to move, it isn't your seat

There's nothing wrong per se in just sitting down next to someone, but it's friendlier and more polite to check first that the seat isn't taken. I suppose in the end it just boils down to what type of person you are!

 

[Green Lane]

There's nothing wrong per se in just sitting down next to someone, but it's friendlier and more polite to check first that the seat isn't taken. I suppose in the end it just boils down to what type of person you are!

I think it also depends on the type of train you are on.

For example on Merseyrail trains, there are no toilets, no buffet car or anything like that, so basically if a seat is empty then you can safely assume that it isn't taken. In fact it would seem unusual on such a service for someone to ask if a seat is taken, it virtually never happens. It's just like being on a bus or something.

Conversely, on longer distance services, on trains where there are toilets, buffet cars etc.. then I agree it's not a bad thing to ask if a seat is taken or not. If I can make eye contact with the occupant of the seat near the window then I may ask. If they have headphones on or are ignoring the world around them, looking out out of the window, then I may not ask. When people plonk themsleves down next to me without asking, I am not bothered in the slightest. I am quite used to it and I always ensure the ailse seat is available and none of my stuff encroaches on it.

 

[Greenback]

Yeah, that makes sense, I didn't think about trains with no toilets! Down here, we don't have such things, and most of the trains ar elong distance. Also true aboput the headphones!