Just finished watching the latest Paddington 24/7. A couple of things. Overcrowded trains and passengers wanting to get the service and running for the trains. This is something I've seen often at terminus stations in London and elsewhere, during my infrequent visits to the UK. The problem is that the announcement of the platforms that the trains are departing from is delayed until at the very least 5 minutes before departure. There have been times that I have been at a station and I see the departure boards regularly and dutifully indicating that the train going to going to station XXX at XX;XX hours, will be calling at AAA, BBB, CCC, DDD, etc etc, that there is a buffet on board, reserved seats, first class is at, lets say the rear of the train and so on, but, no platform is indicated. Then with five minutes and sometimes less, (I've seen and experienced it) everyone is racing to the platforms, fumbling with baggage, tickets for the barrier (where the hell are they, I thought you had them etc) and racing down the platforms because suddenly CLICK, the platform number appears. 20 seconds later there is the public announcement.
So, especially on long distance trains, calling at many stops, people are going to rush to the platform gates, with their baggage, kids etc and will want to get on the train and het a seat and put their luggage down hopefully in the same carriage that are travelling in.
Than again, at the likes of Paddington, those heading to Reading, think they have the priority over passengers to Plymouth, Penzance, Swansea, and West Wales etc. They cram up the trains to the detriment of the long distance travellers.
Station staff ordering passengers not to run, and shouting at them at there is another train is an hour or two hours, uncourteously as we saw in the programme tonight, do themselves no good. Thee words "I'm Sorry but...." would help somewhat.
Credit to the lady who got the distressed woman into 1st Class.
Second Point: What was the rodent smoking? A pipe, cigar, reefer, Capstan Full Strength? I wonder each week.