There's to be no standing on the platform

[Sheepy1209]

Blackpool North is indeed an awful station, but it becomes a bit boring when people slag off the whole town because it's an easy target. Yes, bits of it have 'character' but it's a great place to live.

The station suffers from being too far from the sea front with access being along Talbot Road - which is lined with pound and kebab shops (sadly no kebabs for a pound). However, the area around the station has been redeveloped and is quite impressive, especially looking up from the station. Sadly it's mainly council offices so not a sign of prosperity, but it's freshened the area up.

The station isn't really convenient for many people; e.g. I live in Cleveleys, and only use BPN if I'm going on the tram or bus - I much prefer Poulton-le-Fylde, which is the opposite of BPN in so many ways.

The main thing that annoys me about BPN now is that they've put a line of ticket barriers across the concourse, squeezing people into a small space near the doors. But I've found the staff there to be generally OK, especially in the ticket office. Remember most members of the public don't want to take pictures of trains, so something that's unreasonable to you is no problem for the vast majority. I know that doesn't make it right.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

, along with the new trams, which should be extended to Blackpool North, but the last I herd the council leader didn't want to spend the money on it despite getting most of the money for it from Lancashire council.

Upgrade approved on 28th April 2014:
http://www.britishtramsonline.co.uk/news/?p=7376

 

[47802]

The main thing that annoys me about BPN now is that they've put a line of ticket barriers across the concourse, squeezing people into a small space near the doors. But I've found the staff there to be generally OK, especially in the ticket office. Remember most members of the public don't want to take pictures of trains, so something that's unreasonable to you is no problem for the vast majority. I know that doesn't make it right.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


Upgrade approved on 28th April 2014:
http://www.britishtramsonline.co.uk/news/?p=7376

Good, about time too, but the thread starter wasn't even complaining about being able to take pictures, just simply standing on the platform.

 

[Sheepy1209]

Good, about time too, but the thread starter wasn't even complaining about being able to take pictures, just simply standing on the platform.

Good point, well made. But still obviously a troublemaker!

 

[Greenback]

I actually don't think Blackpool is that bad, yes there some bits which are not great, and its past its hey day as a holiday resort but doesn't that apply to most UK holiday resorts, but a lot of money has been spent on new sea defences and sea front, along with the new trams, which should be extended to Blackpool North, but the last I herd the council leader didn't want to spend the money on it despite getting most of the money for it from Lancashire council.

I can certainly think of plenty of other places which are worse, well station staff excepted, I would count Rhyl, Morecambe and Barrow as worse for starters

My comments are tongue in cheek and mostly related to the North station and the parts of the town that I maybe shouldn't have visited all those years ago. I have no doubt that there are some very pleasant residential areas, but the promenade, which is one of the areas most associated with visitors, was undeniably dismal when I was there, though the weather didn't help.

I confess that I found the shopping area quite pleasant. I haven't been to the other places you mention so I can't compare them even if I wanted to. The only reason I would go back is to ride on the trams!

 

[Emyr]

How would they handle a large number of independent persons (not interacting or acknowledging each other) loitering on the platforms holding valid tickets?

Forum meal?

 

[andythebrave]

No, I urge you to visit the town as soon as possible. It will give you a different perspective, and you will never again rule out Port Talbot as an attractive holiday destination!

Who says that I've ruled out Port Talbot?

 

[Darren R]

I am a little surprised that other rail staff on the forum haven't rode to the defence of their colleagues at Blackpool North. I have found, over many years, that the staff there are unusually brusque for railway employees. But it occurs to me that it is entirely feasible that they have been turned that way by their experiences of working at Blackpool North.

I'm not condoning it, and nor am I necessarily blaming passengers for the actions of staff. But let's be honest; the staff at Blackpool North probably have to endure one of the highest proportions of - erm, how shall I say this as politely as possible? (I can't) - chavs, drunks (and worse), obnoxious morons, young ladies and gentlemen who appear to bear the name Richard Head, and hordes of screaming kids whose parents fall into one (or more) of the above categories and appear quite content for their kids to run riot unchecked.

Obviously I'm not saying every passenger is like that, but the station probably sees one of the highest ratio of such people to decent passengers anywhere in the UK. That's enough to make even the most conscientious of people jaded and cynical about humanity. From personal experience I know how easy it is to fall into the trap of treating everyone as though they fall into the categories listed above because they're the ones that are the most visible and take up most of your time.

Regarding the refusal to open the doors to the platforms, that's the way it's always been at Blackpool North. It may not see the crowds (or intensive service) it once did in summer, but it is still a very busy station with vast numbers catching trains home on sunny summer days (I dread to think what it's like on Bank Holidays.) Coupled with the need to clean and service trains upon arrival, it's the only way to control the crowds.

 

[Crossover]

Yes, the staff at Blackpool North are unnecessarily strict in my opinion, maybe it's the sea air that makes them all miserable!

It could be that.... or it could just be that it's Blackpool

Well the sea air seems to have little negative effect in the likes of Brislington and Scarborough, so I guess it is the effect of Blackpool!

Outside of high summer, it's a thoroughly awful place.

I'm not sure it'll be vastly better out of the closed season!

I remember now that when we arrived at Blackpool, the door from the platform to the concourse was closed, and we were directed past the platform ends to another door. Looks like an exercise in crowd control only without the crowds.

Yes, we were too - I think the mid doors may be slightly larger. I recall that on Saturday they had the metal barriers out in force to control the "crowds"...all 15 or so of us that were heading for the train at the time!

The station suffers from being too far from the sea front with access being along Talbot Road - which is lined with pound and kebab shops (sadly no kebabs for a pound). However, the area around the station has been redeveloped and is quite impressive, especially looking up from the station. Sadly it's mainly council offices so not a sign of prosperity, but it's freshened the area up.

The building straight opposite the entrance (the glass one) looks impressive, if a little over engineered for offices (all those travelators!). The walk down Talbot Road is indeed a bit grim - we visited "Booze and News" to advance purchase our tickets for the day and one could barely get in the place (and not because of people)!

I'm not condoning it, and nor am I necessarily blaming passengers for the actions of staff. But let's be honest; the staff at Blackpool North probably have to endure one of the highest proportions of - erm, how shall I say this as politely as possible? (I can't) - chavs, drunks (and worse), obnoxious morons, young ladies and gentlemen who appear to bear the name Richard Head, and hordes of screaming kids whose parents fall into one (or more) of the above categories and appear quite content for their kids to run riot unchecked.

The number of hen parties/stag do's was rather ridiculous at the weekend, I have to say!

 

[Starmill]

I actually don't think Blackpool is that bad, yes there some bits which are not great, and its past its hey day as a holiday resort but doesn't that apply to most UK holiday resorts, but a lot of money has been spent on new sea defences and sea front, along with the new trams, which should be extended to Blackpool North, but the last I herd the council leader didn't want to spend the money on it despite getting most of the money for it from Lancashire council.

I thought Blackpool Council was a Unitary Authority? If so, I'm shocked LCC have given them a sniff... Residents of Wyre and Fylde no longer get free travel on Blackpool trams, presumably because LCC don't want to pay for it, despite the fact tat about a third of the tramway is actually IN Wyre!!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

The building straight opposite the entrance (the glass one) looks impressive, if a little over engineered for offices (all those travelators!). The walk down Talbot Road is indeed a bit grim - we visited "Booze and News" to advance purchase our tickets for the day and one could barely get in the place (and not because of people)!

Aye, and the shoopkeep was something of a character too wasn't he.

 

[LowLevel]

I am a little surprised that other rail staff on the forum haven't rode to the defence of their colleagues at Blackpool North. I have found, over many years, that the staff there are unusually brusque for railway employees. But it occurs to me that it is entirely feasible that they have been turned that way by their experiences of working at Blackpool North.

While I can appreciate they have to work with arseholes, there's no excuse for being generally grumpy, intolerant and ill mannered as Blackpool North's staff are regularly reported to be.

I work trains along one of the most troublesome routes in Britain and have had to deal with numerous 'anti social incidents' in my previous work - if you can't keep smiling regardless (allowing for the odd inevitable off day!) then you should find another role that is more suited.

From a guard and ex dispatcher

 

[Greenback]

Who says that I've ruled out Port Talbot? ??????

So many have that I assumed you had as well. I'm sorry if that's not the case, and hope to see you at Wales' warmest seaside town soon!

 

[Hyphen]

I didn't think Port Talbot was too bad until fairly recently, my only previous experience was leaving the railway station and getting on a rail replacement bus. However, a couple of months ago I had the misfortune of using the bus station.

Honest opinion? I now choose to avoid both it and Blackpool

 

[Greenback]

I don't blame you! Actually it isn't quite so warm there since the chemicals plant at Baglan Bay closed down. But the steelworks still keep the town artificially heated!

 

[Darren R]

While I can appreciate they have to work with arseholes, there's no excuse for being generally grumpy, intolerant and ill mannered as Blackpool North's staff are regularly reported to be.

I work trains along one of the most troublesome routes in Britain and have had to deal with numerous 'anti social incidents' in my previous work - if you can't keep smiling regardless (allowing for the odd inevitable off day!) then you should find another role that is more suited.

From a guard and ex dispatcher

I wasn't condoning the staff being a trifle brusque at times - I was merely positing the theory as to why that is the case. That said, there does seem to be something about Blackpool North. For as long as I can remember the staff there often come across as off-hand. You have to wonder why.

(If there are any Blackpool North staff on the forum, I can only apologise - I'm sure you're very nice really! I've certainly always found the Blackpool North train crews to be friendly enough.)

 

[abbo1234]

I travel to Blackpool North every weekend,have done for the last 20 years or so.One Good Friday i unfortunately had the misfortune to be in a carriage of a Man Vic train which was very rowdy with a load of drunks.Needless to say it all kicked off and the BTP boarded and threw everyone from that carriage off the train onto the platform.To cut a long story short,i was politely explaining to BTP officer that i was on my own and had nothing to do with them but he was having none of it.However a member of station staff then came and explained that i travel every week and was not part of the trouble,let me back onto the train and i had the whole carriage too myself to Preston an a bank holiday.Jackpot.I personally find the staff at BPN very friendly.

 

[Whistler40145]

I'm from Blackpool & always wondered why they require so many members of staff at the barriers looking important & doing nothing!

 

[47802]

I thought Blackpool Council was a Unitary Authority? If so, I'm shocked LCC have given them a sniff... Residents of Wyre and Fylde no longer get free travel on Blackpool trams, presumably because LCC don't want to pay for it, despite the fact tat about a third of the tramway is actually IN Wyre!!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


Aye, and the shoopkeep was something of a character too wasn't he.

I think to clarify most of the money for the extension is coming from Transport for Lancashire. which is allocating money to Transport projects from a devolved Department of Transport budget, and Transport for Lancashire is made up of Lancashire, Blackburn/Darwen and Blackpool councils and private sector led Lancashire Enterprise Partnership apparently.

Coming back to Blackpool I can appreciate the need for crowd control at busy periods and the fact they probably have to deal with a fair few D*** H****, and I guess Blackpool isn't like some other Terminal Stations such as Norwich in that there is no other rail destination to go to at the end of the line.

 

[oldman]

I started this thread in a spirit of mild amusement at a jobsworth; it's a bit surprising so many people have negative impressions of the station.

There are certainly no seats on the platform; I'm trying to remember if there are any on the concourse. Certainly the only departure lists are inside the barriers, which is not handy.

Maybe a wee email to Northern - no date or time, obviously.

 

[Darren R]

There are (or were, last time I was there) a few bench seats on the concourse, beyond the barriers. It isn't exactly the most welcoming or passenger-friendly of station environments!

 

[Cliveblackpool]

Imo Blackpool North should be closed and a new station opened at Blackpool Central!!
At 23.00 Blackpool North becomes even more unfriendly.
The front doors are locked, and passengers / customers have to wait outside in the car park. The canopy lights are turned off.
A side roller shutter door direct onto the platform is opened about 3-5 minutes before the train departs, or just after an arrival.
A couple of years ago I took my son to catch a train at 03.30. Having to walk through that underpass is bad enough! All the lights including the car park were off. No taxis around. About 12 people were outside waiting to get in. Again 3 minutes before departure the side door is opened, and tickets checked.

 

[Whistler40145]

I totally agree CliveBlackpool, it's not a friendly place, especially at night. I usually praise my hometown, but Blackpool North needs rebuilding with an Interchange with Trains, Buses & Trams.

I usually find the Travel Centre & Ticket Office staff pleasant enough.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[Bevan Price]

The best way to take photos at Blackpool North is probably when you arrive. Sit near the back of the train, walk to the rear when it stops and take photos quickly, before they have time to stop you.

 

[ashworth]

I found this too!

Only time I've ever visited Blackpool was a few years ago, at the height of the November 2010 strong winds (don't ask me why we went to Blackpool in November - there wasn't anything to do...). The two of us were on ALRs. We were on our 6th day of the trip by this point, and we'd long discovered our tickets didn't operate any gates. So I did what had become the norm at each set of barriers - I went first and showed my ticket to the gateline assistant.

Far from being willing to inspect the ticket, he insisted I put it through the barrier, which (unsurprisingly enough) didn't work. Only then did he inspect the ticket and let me through. My companion showed her ticket, exactly the same as mine, but again he insisted it had to be put through the barrier first...! And yet again, it still didn't work.

We had exactly the same treatment on the way back in, too

I know the problem well. I've had to endure being treated like that for a whole week every summer for about the last 10 years.

I have friends who live in Blackpool and I go to stay in their house for a couple of weeks every summer whilst they are on holiday. Two weeks in Blackpool is more than I can endure and so every year I make good use of the excellent value 7 Day North West Rover. I have days out around the Cumbrian Coast, Settle to Carlisle, Liverpool, Chester etc etc etc...

Unfortunately every year, each morning and evening for a whole 7 days (14 times in all!!!) I have to face the miserable staff at Blackpool North. They regularly insist I put the ticket through the barrier even though I tell them day after day it won't work. Even on my last day when I tell them it hasn't worked all week they won't listen and insist that I try.

Even when you encounter staff who will let you through without using the barrier they treat you as though you are an awkward or problem customer. One year on my last day they sarcastically sneered and said thank goodness it's your last day! My friends live within a few minutes walking distance of Blackpool North Station and so I usually arrive at the station with only a few minutes to spare before the train departs. I have on occasions missed my train because I have been kept standing at the barrier for several minutes waiting for someone who was willing to actually look at my ticket and let me through. There are times when I have been kept waiting as though I was a fare dodger rather than someone who has paid £80 for a ticket.

It isn't as though I have been difficult or rude to them. I'm in my 50's and I am fairly well spoken and casually but well dressed. I'm a Primary School teacher and do not look or behave like any of the chavs who frequent Blackpool. Why do they treat me like this? I always speak politely to them and have never been rude no matter how badly they treat me. You would think that by the end of the week they would know me, or even remember me as someone who does this every year. At other stations I would be treated as a valued customer or even a friend but not at Blackpool North.

Having had a good moan about Blackpool North, I must also add that during my travels each year I have found Northern staff on the trains and at other stations some of the friendliest and most helpful I've met anywhere on the railways.

 

[johnnychips]

Well, is this one of those 'British' situations where we are too polite to complain, but then moan like hell afterwards? I'm sure there are excellent staff at Blackpool North, but it evidently seems some aren't. If their attitude isn't reported in a polite, constructive letter to whoever runs the station, nothing will happen.

(And I suppose, showing my age, a phonecall, Facebook posting or twitter; but we know how these can be abused, especially the last two.)

 

[Cliveblackpool]

Well, is this one of those 'British' situations where we are too polite to complain, but then moan like hell afterwards? I'm sure there are excellent staff at Blackpool North, but it evidently seems some aren't. If their attitude isn't reported in a polite, constructive letter to whoever runs the station, nothing will happen.

(And I suppose, showing my age, a phonecall, Facebook posting or twitter; but we know how these can be abused, especially the last two.)

There are some excellent staff at BPN. Helpful staff in the booking office, and there are some nice people on the Barriers.

 

[Techniquest]

No, I urge you to visit the town as soon as possible. It will give you a different perspective, and you will never again rule out Port Talbot as an attractive holiday destination!

Being a former resident of Swansea (Fforestfach to be more exact), I couldn't help but laugh my rear off reading that! Not been to too many parts of Port Talbot, but why would I want to?

In all fairness, I have no idea why people want to come to where I am these days either, such a boring place!

starmill: No thanks! I need to visit one day to do the trams, but Blackpool is not somewhere I'm all too keen on visiting again I'm afraid! Maybe one day, but for now Berney Arms has more appeal!

 

[Bodie]

Ha, this is some thread.

I last visited Blackpool North station three or four years ago. It was the first time I had been since they added the barriers.
Now I don't like the things in general but Blackpool North station tops the lot when it comes to stupidity for placement of the barriers.

Glad i'm not the only one who thinks that. I was speechless when I first set eyes on them.
Only Glasgow Queen Street comes close for me.

They are redeveloping the latter so hopefully it will be much better in a few years.

Back the Blackpool. That last time I was there, I had driven in to town and had only gone to the station to meet family. We were all set to walk onto the platform and see their train come in. A perfectly normal, bygone image.
Not anymore folks. Ruddy great barrier.
So big I just peeped through onto the platforms and saw a class 180 arrive. I still had one or two of the 180's Northern had back then to see and I really wanted to get the number.
Nothing doing, so I had to text the people we were waiting for, firstly to tell them we were at the station, secondly that some stupid barriers ment we were waiting for them outside and thirdly could they get the number of the class 180!!!!!!
Only time i've ever had to resort to such levels for a number!
Thankfully they did get it and that lessened my anger a little.

I always remember watching the barrier in action and it did seem that there was no way in hell, you'd get through. Even if you asked nicely.

There again I always have the impression wherever there are barriers.

I've had my fill of the things this week. Was in Glasgow for a couple of days and bought day ranger tickets. You were always just waiting for the ticket to be refused by the machine. It could work three times in a row and you'd feel more confident about it and then bang!, refused.
No rhyme or reason to it.
I actully took time to watch the barriers and the staff don't even blink when someone has a ticket refused. They just flash a card over a scanner on the machine and let you through.
For all they know you could have stuck a weeks old ticket in the machine.
Does that work?
Would it get eaten by the machine?
Maybe then you'd have to show it to a member of staff.

Anyhow back to Blackpool,

Good points - Prom, Trams, Tower, Pleasure Beach

Bad points - Everything else

Having lived within 25 minutes of the place and gone many, many times in my life, it's not somewhere i'm keen on returning BUT I could say that about a lot of places in the country.

Happy Birthday Blackpool Tower - 120 years old

 

[Muzer]

People who wander to the end of the platforms may arouse a suspicion of wanting to trespass or worse, commit suicide. Admittedly it is less likely in a terminus station but by no means unheard of. The railway now has initiatives and training to spot this kind of behaviour. 99 times out of 100 it's not necessary, but one time it might save a life.

Indeed. But the way to deal with that is the way the staff at Penzance dealt with me when I was hanging around suspiciously by the end of a platform - politely but with authority check I'm just a rail enthusiast taking photos, and make sure I'm aware of the importance of not passing the "passengers must not cross this point" signs (which I was, of course), then let me go about my business. Admirable and perfectly reasonable behaviour from the member of staff, unlike what I've heard from people on here about Blackpool North.

Having said that, I hung around (just for a few minutes) on a platform end at Blackpool North and didn't have any issues myself. I wasn't there for too long, though, so maybe they didn't have chance to tell me off
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I know the problem well. I've had to endure being treated like that for a whole week every summer for about the last 10 years.

I have friends who live in Blackpool and I go to stay in their house for a couple of weeks every summer whilst they are on holiday. Two weeks in Blackpool is more than I can endure and so every year I make good use of the excellent value 7 Day North West Rover. I have days out around the Cumbrian Coast, Settle to Carlisle, Liverpool, Chester etc etc etc...

Unfortunately every year, each morning and evening for a whole 7 days (14 times in all!!!) I have to face the miserable staff at Blackpool North. They regularly insist I put the ticket through the barrier even though I tell them day after day it won't work. Even on my last day when I tell them it hasn't worked all week they won't listen and insist that I try.

Even when you encounter staff who will let you through without using the barrier they treat you as though you are an awkward or problem customer. One year on my last day they sarcastically sneered and said thank goodness it's your last day! My friends live within a few minutes walking distance of Blackpool North Station and so I usually arrive at the station with only a few minutes to spare before the train departs. I have on occasions missed my train because I have been kept standing at the barrier for several minutes waiting for someone who was willing to actually look at my ticket and let me through. There are times when I have been kept waiting as though I was a fare dodger rather than someone who has paid £80 for a ticket.

It isn't as though I have been difficult or rude to them. I'm in my 50's and I am fairly well spoken and casually but well dressed. I'm a Primary School teacher and do not look or behave like any of the chavs who frequent Blackpool. Why do they treat me like this? I always speak politely to them and have never been rude no matter how badly they treat me. You would think that by the end of the week they would know me, or even remember me as someone who does this every year. At other stations I would be treated as a valued customer or even a friend but not at Blackpool North.

Having had a good moan about Blackpool North, I must also add that during my travels each year I have found Northern staff on the trains and at other stations some of the friendliest and most helpful I've met anywhere on the railways.

If you're delayed by more than 60 minutes due to missing a train because of barrier staff, having arrived in reasonable time for your train, you should claim a passenger charter refund from Northern. I believe this is the correct action. If they refuse to pay out, take it up with their customer services directly. If they still refuse, take it up with Passenger Focus or similar. I expect you'll get somewhere, if nothing else as a moral victory.

 

[ComUtoR]

Morning,

I'm kinda confused to why people are moaning here. I will admit that there is a part of me that does see a degree of 'jobsworthyness' but isn't that what staff are there for. I want people to do their job correctly. Especially in an industry like the railway. If the member of staff are doing something incorrect or seeming have made up rules on the spot then they should be challenged.

I took comfort in a couple of posters here in that they mentioned the concerns that staff would of had at this station and to me were certainly acting with concern for the passenger.

I would hope that the staff were acting with security concerns too. I do not work on a station platform but travel frequently enough that some stations keep clear platforms and barriers are placed so that you only need to use a platform to board a train. To me; this is safe an secure and makes me confident to travel.

@ashworth

When your ticket goes through the barrier it will check the validity of that ticket. When it doesnt work it should show a code on the barrier so that the staff can discover why the ticket got rejected. For that reason alone I can see why they ask you to use the gate.

Because you are well dressed, well spoken and an older gentleman doesn't exempt you from being a thief. What if you were trying it on ? Personally I would want to check your ticket throughly every time you travelled. Assumption is the mother of all ... Complacency in staff allow people to scam the system. Again, kudos for staff doing their job.

If I purchased a 7 Day ticket and it was rejected on the first day I would want to know why. I couldn't conceive of going through the rigmarole every day of it being rejected at the gate. I have done on occasion asked for my season ticket to be reissued and there was never an issue. How this is the gateline staff fault is beyond me. If I consistently had problems at the barrier I would also make a time allowance for that. Turning up just before my train departs puts me at fault too. Doing it regularly would drive me crazy but as a regular traveller I turn up in good time so I have rarely had an issue.


I cannot abide rudeness but as a passenger I also have a responsibility for my behaviour and need to have an understanding that railway staff also have responsibilities.

 

[meridian2]

Morning,

I'm kinda confused to why people are moaning here. I will admit that there is a part of me that does see a degree of 'jobsworthyness' but isn't that what staff are there for. I want people to do their job correctly. Especially in an industry like the railway. If the member of staff are doing something incorrect or seeming have made up rules on the spot then they should be challenged.

I took comfort in a couple of posters here in that they mentioned the concerns that staff would of had at this station and to me were certainly acting with concern for the passenger.

I would hope that the staff were acting with security concerns too. I do not work on a station platform but travel frequently enough that some stations keep clear platforms and barriers are placed so that you only need to use a platform to board a train. To me; this is safe an secure and makes me confident to travel.

@ashworth

When your ticket goes through the barrier it will check the validity of that ticket. When it doesnt work it should show a code on the barrier so that the staff can discover why the ticket got rejected. For that reason alone I can see why they ask you to use the gate.

Because you are well dressed, well spoken and an older gentleman doesn't exempt you from being a thief. What if you were trying it on ? Personally I would want to check your ticket throughly every time you travelled. Assumption is the mother of all ... Complacency in staff allow people to scam the system. Again, kudos for staff doing their job.

If I purchased a 7 Day ticket and it was rejected on the first day I would want to know why. I couldn't conceive of going through the rigmarole every day of it being rejected at the gate. I have done on occasion asked for my season ticket to be reissued and there was never an issue. How this is the gateline staff fault is beyond me. If I consistently had problems at the barrier I would also make a time allowance for that. Turning up just before my train departs puts me at fault too. Doing it regularly would drive me crazy but as a regular traveller I turn up in good time so I have rarely had an issue.


I cannot abide rudeness but as a passenger I also have a responsibility for my behaviour and need to have an understanding that railway staff also have responsibilities.

OK fine, but what was the OP doing that was unsafe and how did their behaviour warrant the perceived rudeness from the member of staff from some on here?
I accept that staff have a responsibility for the safety of their environment but they also have a responsibility not to create situations that could evolve into something unsafe, or to find fault where there is none, or even to act in a demeanor that is inappropriate to the situation.
Responsibilities are not just limited to maintaining safety. They are also about maintaining good customer relations.