Weird Things You See People Do on the Railway

[bramling]

Well provided they all sit near the table and make those actually sat at it feel uncomfortable enough to move I don't see a problem. If they just gave up when the first solo traveler sat down that would be odd.

What tends to end up happening in practice is they then go off traipsing down the train visibly making a huff.

 

[whhistle]

Not really too unexpected when every other form of public transport seems to do so - buses, trams, tube, DLR, planes (Well Cabin Crew do those)...

Cars doors don't open automatically...
Just because some other forms of transport do, shouldn't mean you should assume all will. Especially when a button suddenly lights up inviting you to push it.

Double numbers become easier to quote as such - 1 double 2 - 6781 - double 5 - 989...

You missed the point. It was about the randomness of calling out a reference number. I just find it strange that people don't stick to a regular rhythm or pace.

In my experience this is more likely for the text to be entered correctly - S and F being particular letters that get confused.

When there's no glass and you're less than a metre away from someone, it really isn't needed. The poor chap was actually slightly slower as he had to spend lightly more time translating the word to the letter.
And even if there is glass, you're still somewhat face to face.
Over a bad telephone line, maybe required.

 

[jamesst]

People that stand in front of a set of train doors that have been locked out of use and are literally covered with signs saying so. Then have a go saying it isn't very obvious!

 

[_toommm_]

People that stand in front of a set of train doors that have been locked out of use and are literally covered with signs saying so. Then have a go saying it isn't very obvious!

Or guards that lock doors OOU on Pacers, and the only visible clue it is OOU is a tiny red light above next to the door release panel.

That's when you can have a go saying it's not very obvious!

 

[LowLevel]

Solo travellers sitting at a table and then getting annoyed when a group of at least 3 decides to invade them

 

[Ethano92]

Something I do find weird and annoying is when Im at a station where I know a lot of people get off so I don't bother pressing the button, especially when the button is in the centre of the doorway, because people wishing to alight who are already on the train will do that instead. Still, almost without fail someone will barge in front of me, push the button then be right in the way of everyone wishing to alight. Some even looked shocked that people alighting don't let them board first. When on the train, whether pressing the button in advance does anything or not, I do have an expectation that the first person has their hand on the button to make it clear they understand the system but when on the platform, just wait for people to alight or wait for the button to light up.

Another thing is when people smash the button. Although it's been mentioned already, i honestly wonder if people think it will make the doors open any faster. The only exception in my opinion is on Siemens Desiros because I understand the doors don't move for a second after you've pressed the button so you may be inclined to press again to check but there's still no need to smash the button to pieces.

 

[island]

There’s the same behaviour on 390s where the little step wants to unfold before the door will open.

 

[kevjs]

Cars doors don't open automatically...
Just because some other forms of transport do, shouldn't mean you should assume all will. Especially when a button suddenly lights up inviting you to push it.

Notice I said "public" transport - having to lean out a blasted window or press a button out of eye line isn't always intuitive to non-regular travellers

You missed the point. It was about the randomness of calling out a reference number. I just find it strange that people don't stick to a regular rhythm or pace.

As I said, sometimes the number itself leads to a none regular pattern. e.g. 413002349483 might be read in groups of 4 but that double zero pulls you out that pattern. 4130 0234 9483 on the other hand might result in a different pattern.

When there's no glass and you're less than a metre away from someone, it really isn't needed. The poor chap was actually slightly slower as he had to spend lightly more time translating the word to the letter.
And even if there is glass, you're still somewhat face to face.
Over a bad telephone line, maybe required.

Even next to a person the phonetic alphabet can be clearer - especially so if you've got a strong accent or struggle to hear, especially in the presence of a large amount of background noise.

 

[theageofthetra]

Standing in a vestibule when there are loads of seats which are reserved for only part of a journey or never used

 

[E_Reeves]

Standing in a vestibule when there are loads of seats which are reserved for only part of a journey or never used

I'd happily stand in a vestibule if it has droplight windows

 

[Killingworth]

Standing in a vestibule when there are loads of seats which are reserved for only part of a journey or never used

That is becoming a major issue because a lot of reserved seats aren't taken up. I've been guilty of that several times recently when I've had an open return and finished a meeting earlier or later than planned and caught another train. Or sometimes caught a late running earlier train.

 

[theageofthetra]

That is becoming a major issue because a lot of reserved seats aren't taken up. I've been guilty of that several times recently when I've had an open return and finished a meeting earlier or later than planned and caught another train. Or sometimes caught a late running earlier train.

So why don't they have the gumption to sit in an unoccupied spare seat until the person turns up (if at all)

 

[Killingworth]

So why don't they have the gumption to sit in an unoccupied spare seat until the person turns up (if at all)

A lot of regular travellers do and happily give up the seat when challenged. Less frequent travellers may feel more reluctant. On short journeys I'll often stand in the vestibule ready for the next station rather than perhaps pushing into a window seat for only 5-10 minutes.

 

[paddington]

Solo travellers sitting at a table and then getting annoyed when a group of at least 3 decides to invade them

A group of 3 deciding to sit at the table where I'm sitting even when there is another table free a bit further along (and neither are in the sun, etc.)

People sitting next to me in a crowded train (which is fine) then not moving when the train empties out at a big station, and then getting huffy when I ask to be let out but only move to another seat...

 

[LowLevel]

A group of 3 deciding to sit at the table where I'm sitting even when there is another table free a bit further along (and neither are in the sun, etc.)

People sitting next to me in a crowded train (which is fine) then not moving when the train empties out at a big station, and then getting huffy when I ask to be let out but only move to another seat...

I believe that's the perils of public transport

A career spent wedged amongst other people on trains has led me to have little issue with sharing spaces with others (unless they're particularly manky in which case it's also given me no particular issue with moving!).

 

[trainophile]

A group of 3 deciding to sit at the table where I'm sitting even when there is another table free a bit further along (and neither are in the sun, etc.)

People sitting next to me in a crowded train (which is fine) then not moving when the train empties out at a big station, and then getting huffy when I ask to be let out but only move to another seat...

If I move for this reason I just smile and say "then we can both have more room", making it not a complaint about them but a mutual improvement.

 

[whhistle]

As I said, sometimes the number itself leads to a none regular pattern. e.g. 413002349483 might be read in groups of 4 but that double zero pulls you out that pattern. 4130 0234 9483 on the other hand might result in a different pattern.

Right. And what if the pattern has nothing "interesting" to pull you out of a regular rhythm...
For example: G4FK8CSP doesn't really have any pattern to it. So why do some people say it like G-4FK8-C-S-P? Why not G-4-F-K-8-C-S-P or G4-FK-8C-SP?
I mean, talk about having to explain down to a T.

Even next to a person the phonetic alphabet can be clearer - especially so if you've got a strong accent or struggle to hear, especially in the presence of a large amount of background noise.

And what if there isn't very much background noise? Or the person doesn't have a strong accent?

Yawn.

 

[johntea]

At a station where the driver / guard have to swap ends yet the passengers barge on without giving way to them!

Hint : the train won’t be going far until this process is successfully carried out!

 

[CaptainHaddock]

People who pull the blinds down on sunny days so they can play with their laptops and mobile phones. Don't they ever think that most of us would prefer to enjoy seeing the scenery we're passing through?

 

[trainophile]

People who pull the blinds down on sunny days so they can play with their laptops and mobile phones. Don't they ever think that most of us would prefer to enjoy seeing the scenery we're passing through?

Is it okay if they pull the blinds at least partly down because they can't stand strong sunlight in their eyes? That's what I do, although I always try to get a seat on the shady side if possible. Even sunglasses aren't much help when it's really bright.

 

[al78]

Is it okay if they pull the blinds at least partly down because they can't stand strong sunlight in their eyes? That's what I do, although I always try to get a seat on the shady side if possible. Even sunglasses aren't much help when it's really bright.

If someone can't stand strong sunlight, it would be best for them to sit on the opposite side of the train to where the sun is, if possible.

This is like certain people at my local bridge club who sit at a table next to the air conditioning on a hot stuffy summer evening, then complain about the draught.

 

[Esker-pades]

On the 456/0s and /1s, one can hold the button down meaning that the doors open the moment the driver releases them. I have adopted this practice.
Other less clued up commuters have also done this leading to a lot of annoyance because it doesn't work on the other Networkers (465/2s and 9s, 466s).

 

[Esker-pades]

Deleted

 

[bramling]

If someone can't stand strong sunlight, it would be best for them to sit on the opposite side of the train to where the sun is, if possible.

This is like certain people at my local bridge club who sit at a table next to the air conditioning on a hot stuffy summer evening, then complain about the draught.

It’s the same on trains with opening windows too - choose to sit somewhere and then start making a scene about wanting windows closed, despite there being other places where they could sit. Not sure if it’s self-centredness or just lack of awareness.

 

[trainophile]

It’s the same on trains with opening windows too - choose to sit somewhere and then start making a scene about wanting windows closed, despite there being other places where they could sit. Not sure if it’s self-centredness or just lack of awareness.

Sometimes an open train window affects people about five rows away more than those immediately beneath it. I have sat on a Pacer and been blasted with cold air from a window half a carriage away!

 

[pdeaves]

The elderly gentleman I was behind in a ticket queue today who was (apparently) oblivious to the huge queue building up behind him. He had his tickets ages and just kept talking to the assistant (it seems his whole life story). I think was lonely and just wanted company. I wasn't in a hurry so it didn't matter to me, but it was a little saddening.

 

[BackOnTheTrain]

"Does this train go to Berwick?"

View attachment 49597

You’re assuming the person asking could read that sign. I couldn’t. Yes I wear glasses, yes they’re up-to-date, no they don’t really help and no I don’t have a white cane. It wouldn’t be obvious to anyone how bad my vision is, unless you saw me trying to zoom in with my phone perhaps.

 

[Esker-pades]

You’re assuming the person asking could read that sign. I couldn’t. Yes I wear glasses, yes they’re up-to-date, no they don’t really help and no I don’t have a white cane. It wouldn’t be obvious to anyone how bad my vision is, unless you saw me trying to zoom in with my phone perhaps.

I appreciate that. The specific person was drinking beer and acting slightly out of it, which is context I left out.
I also answered the question without any passive-aggressive tension.

To be honest, my comment was fairly bad, especially as I should be considering those with "invisible" disabilities as I am in that camp.

 

[johntea]

The elderly gentleman I was behind in a ticket queue today who was (apparently) oblivious to the huge queue building up behind him. He had his tickets ages and just kept talking to the assistant (it seems his whole life story). I think was lonely and just wanted company. I wasn't in a hurry so it didn't matter to me, but it was a little saddening.

I had to use a ticket office today to renew my MetroCard, god that was painful...everyone in front seemed to be off to London (from Harrogate) and decided to wait until they got to the front of the queue until they even began their trip planning! (Although it was quite funny when one customer heard the price for a ticket and remarked it was more expensive than her whole holiday in Poland or wherever was costing!)

 

[Pete_uk]

On my first 800 trip to Gloucester I saw quite a few people not knowing what to do with the doors even though they use the same standard buttons on other units.

Also, was there not a guy in the south west famed for climbing a ladder and standing on things to take photos?