Northern Trains has released the results of a survey, and it’s going through its passengers’ worst habits when on a train.
Northern CAF Class 195 trains at Manchester Piccadilly – Image, Economy Class and Beyond.
When the Northern Trains can operate up to 2,500 trains a day (subject to staffing), there are some stunts that passengers pull, varying from bad manners to personally risky, and of course, fiscally damaging.
Actions making the list that Northern includes:
- People putting their feet, bags and pets on seats – feet and bags are an ‘old-school’ problem that prevents others from being able to sit down, but more recently, people encouraging their dogs (in particular) onto seats presents a hygiene problem and/or worse for people with severe allergies
- Playing music through loudspeakers instead of using headphones – not everyone shares your taste in music
- Vaping on-board – just like cigarettes, this is not allowed on-board trains in England and hasn’t been since 2014
- People who leave their rubbish behind – Northern employs 500 train presentation officers but putting your rubbish in the bins provided will allow them to focus on the tougher elements of train cleanliness
- People sitting in priority seats that don’t give way to fellow passengers who are more in-need – not all disabilities are visible, please be considerate of others
- Making contact with the train (knocking on windows etc) as it’s about to depart – this represents a serious safety risk, particularly if the person is under the influence of alcohol
- People not giving way to passengers getting off the train before trying to board – this is a simple action that will make the process easier and quicker for all
- Fare evading – conductors and revenue officers have seen it all before (and heard every excuse); passengers have a duty to buy a ticket before they travel.
In Quotes
Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, said:
“We welcome around one million customers on-board our trains each and every day and the overwhelming majority are polite, considerate and respectful of others.
“However, it’s no wonder given the numbers involved that our train crew and station staff encounter the occasional bad-mannered individual from time to time. What doesn’t surprise me is that the things that bug my colleagues are those which have a negative impact on other customers. They have our customers’ backs.
“To anyone guilty of any of the ‘traits’ included in this list, I would ask you to think of others when using our services. I know my team would appreciate it.”
A little kindness and manners go a long way
Everyone has read the National Conditions of Carriage and Bylaws… haven’t they?
Of course not. Most people just buy a ticket, jump on a train and go to where they need to.
Whilst Northern provides training to enable and empower its workforce to positively engage with customers when faced with disruption and conflict, it shouldn’t have to come to this.
A little kindness, manners and respect go a long way on any form of transport, be it on the bus, train or tram where (and I hate to be the one to inform you), the seat next to you is not reserved for your bag.
And these cost nothing when using public transport.
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