The pillar of *ahem* quality journalism Metro are carrying the story today about Southern fining passengers for standing in first class when there's no more room, and a few days ago had the one about the commuter getting a 'F*** Southern' tattoo.
Complaints about Northern's attitude to their passengers are commonplace on here, and recently I've seen FTPE described as 'probably the worst in the country'.
These aren't isolated cases and at risk of making a sweeping generalisation, it seems that aside from the odd brilliant social media team member, TOCs attitudes towards their customers is increasingly snobbish and ignorant.
I know it's nothing new but why has it descended to this level? I'm too young to remember BR so this isn't one of those posts that's simply bashing privatisation. But whilst money has to be made, in my view this should not be at the expense of common sense and decency and customer service.
As an example, I'd say that in the Southern situation, assuming it is as reported, the sensible course of action would be to declassify first class (which Southern have stated is the guard's discression) rather than start handing out fines left, right and centre.
Thoughts?
Complaints about Northern's attitude to their passengers are commonplace on here, and recently I've seen FTPE described as 'probably the worst in the country'.
These aren't isolated cases and at risk of making a sweeping generalisation, it seems that aside from the odd brilliant social media team member, TOCs attitudes towards their customers is increasingly snobbish and ignorant.
I know it's nothing new but why has it descended to this level? I'm too young to remember BR so this isn't one of those posts that's simply bashing privatisation. But whilst money has to be made, in my view this should not be at the expense of common sense and decency and customer service.
As an example, I'd say that in the Southern situation, assuming it is as reported, the sensible course of action would be to declassify first class (which Southern have stated is the guard's discression) rather than start handing out fines left, right and centre.
Thoughts?