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Announcements overkill

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johntea

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Today I was at Manchester Airport arrivals for several hours waiting for a friend who ended up having quite a delayed flight

There was an announcement about CV-19 every 5 minutes without fail! Imagine the announcements at railway stations but 10 times more frequent and annoying...

I think everybody gets the idea by now, walked around the arrivals at several points and it was virtually empty anyway so no problems in keeping away from others...

A curious announcement was ‘you must only be in the terminal buildings if ESSENTIAL’ otherwise basically wait outside, great I’ll just wait for my friend in the cold and rain then...luckily the ground staff weren’t interrogating everyone as to why they were in the building! (I am not quite sure why you would randomly just loiter around an airport terminal anyway to be honest, far more exciting places in the world to visit!)
 
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Mitchell Hurd

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Today I was at Manchester Airport arrivals for several hours waiting for a friend who ended up having quite a delayed flight

There was an announcement about CV-19 every 5 minutes without fail! Imagine the announcements at railway stations but 10 times more frequent and annoying...

I think everybody gets the idea by now, walked around the arrivals at several points and it was virtually empty anyway so no problems in keeping away from others...

A curious announcement was ‘you must only be in the terminal buildings if ESSENTIAL’ otherwise basically wait outside, great I’ll just wait for my friend in the cold and rain then...luckily the ground staff weren’t interrogating everyone as to why they were in the building! (I am not quite sure why you would randomly just loiter around an airport terminal anyway to be honest, far more exciting places in the world to visit!)

That really must be annoying having that message shoved down your ears that frequently I can sympathise with that definitely!
 

BJames

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People are just ignoring announcements nowadays anyway. Announcement overkill has existed for years and is exactly why people miss important information, as it's hidden in the constant stream of automated announcements. The Victoria Line when there's delays or issues at stations is the worse - it can genuinely talk constantly between stations and is exactly why I wear noise cancelling headphones.

On this topic, I ignore these announcements. Heard it once and don't need to hear it again. They need to be reduced in frequency - I get that new passengers need to hear them but they don't need to hear them 4 times while waiting 10 minutes for a train.
A curious announcement was ‘you must only be in the terminal buildings if ESSENTIAL’ otherwise basically wait outside, great I’ll just wait for my friend in the cold and rain then...luckily the ground staff weren’t interrogating everyone as to why they were in the building! (I am not quite sure why you would randomly just loiter around an airport terminal anyway to be honest, far more exciting places in the world to visit!)
Pretty sure I heard the "only travel if essential" announcement at New Street the other day.
 

AdamWW

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People are just ignoring announcements nowadays anyway. Announcement overkill has existed for years and is exactly why people miss important information, as it's hidden in the constant stream of automated announcements. The Victoria Line when there's delays or issues at stations is the worse - it can genuinely talk constantly between stations and is exactly why I wear noise cancelling headphones.

Indeed. I have a copy of the PA instructions for HST guards from (I think) the 80's, which contained the instruction to use the PA as little as possible as it can irritate passengers. I wish that was still the case.
 

Jamiescott1

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the shopping centre in high wycombe plays a recorded message about social distancing every 5 minutes.
Well it did but I no longer shop there since they imposed a one way system
 

trebor79

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Sainsbury's plays some prerecorded waffle about being kind to staff and other shoppers "at this difficult time" and how hard they are working about every 3 minutes.
Must drive the staff mad.
 

Domh245

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Sainsbury's plays some prerecorded waffle about being kind to staff and other shoppers "at this difficult time" and how hard they are working about every 3 minutes.
Must drive the staff mad.

To their credit however, they do also have a bit to the effect of "some people are unable to wear a mask, please don't go all vigilante on them"
 

Huntergreed

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I encountered an issue with train announcements today.

A friend and I were at Carlisle and the Avanti 390 was announced as 'Standard Unreserved seating in Coach C', but when we sat in Coach C, the Train Manager shouted (and I mean shouted) at us that this was 'NOT FOR OUR USE' and that our behaviour was 'DANGEROUS!', perhaps I just got unlucky with the TM, but she was extremely angry with us, I was just following the announcements on the station.

She also announced that masks must be worn on this service and that anyone without a mask should be reported to the BTP and will be removed. I genuinely feel awful for those with medical exemptions, they're being made to feel like third-rate citizens, I expected better than this from this country.
 

AdamWW

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I encountered an issue with train announcements today.

A friend and I were at Carlisle and the Avanti 390 was announced as 'Standard Unreserved seating in Coach C', but when we sat in Coach C, the Train Manager shouted (and I mean shouted) at us that this was 'NOT FOR OUR USE' and that our behaviour was 'DANGEROUS!', perhaps I just got unlucky with the TM, but she was extremely angry with us, I was just following the announcements on the station.

Very unpleasant.

I hope this sort of thing isn't, or isn't going to become, common.
 

Richard Scott

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I encountered an issue with train announcements today.

A friend and I were at Carlisle and the Avanti 390 was announced as 'Standard Unreserved seating in Coach C', but when we sat in Coach C, the Train Manager shouted (and I mean shouted) at us that this was 'NOT FOR OUR USE' and that our behaviour was 'DANGEROUS!', perhaps I just got unlucky with the TM, but she was extremely angry with us, I was just following the announcements on the station.

She also announced that masks must be worn on this service and that anyone without a mask should be reported to the BTP and will be removed. I genuinely feel awful for those with medical exemptions, they're being made to feel like third-rate citizens, I expected better than this from this country.
This is how ridiculous this whole situation has become when they resort to this sort of behaviour. Does she have any idea what the chances of catching this virus are? It certainly wasn't dangerous behaviour.
 

BJames

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I encountered an issue with train announcements today.

A friend and I were at Carlisle and the Avanti 390 was announced as 'Standard Unreserved seating in Coach C', but when we sat in Coach C, the Train Manager shouted (and I mean shouted) at us that this was 'NOT FOR OUR USE' and that our behaviour was 'DANGEROUS!', perhaps I just got unlucky with the TM, but she was extremely angry with us, I was just following the announcements on the station.

She also announced that masks must be worn on this service and that anyone without a mask should be reported to the BTP and will be removed. I genuinely feel awful for those with medical exemptions, they're being made to feel like third-rate citizens, I expected better than this from this country.
How busy was the train? And what was the "not for our use" supposed to actually mean, was it just for her use? Don't really see how it's dangerous to sit in a passenger carriage, indeed it's more "dangerous" (using her ridiculous word, not that it's really that dangerous) to shut out a carriage and force everyone to be closer together.

I think that whole thing needs to be reported to Avanti - not least because there's conflicting information, but the TM needs to be spoken to. There are some train managers who clearly just want to enforce their own rules, I had similar on EMR a while back about reporting anyone without a mask to the police if you feel you should - but that's not as bad as this experience.
 

AdamWW

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How busy was the train? And what was the "not for our use" supposed to actually mean, was it just for her use? Don't really see how it's dangerous to sit in a passenger carriage, indeed it's more "dangerous" (using her ridiculous word, not that it's really that dangerous) to shut out a carriage and force everyone to be closer together.

I think that whole thing needs to be reported to Avanti - not least because there's conflicting information, but the TM needs to be spoken to. There are some train managers who clearly just want to enforce their own rules, I had similar on EMR a while back about reporting anyone without a mask to the police if you feel you should - but that's not as bad as this experience.

There will always be people like that (very much in the minority, I think) but I'm sure this is giving them plenty of opportunity to throw their weight around
 

Huntergreed

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How busy was the train? And what was the "not for our use" supposed to actually mean, was it just for her use? Don't really see how it's dangerous to sit in a passenger carriage, indeed it's more "dangerous" (using her ridiculous word, not that it's really that dangerous) to shut out a carriage and force everyone to be closer together.

I think that whole thing needs to be reported to Avanti - not least because there's conflicting information, but the TM needs to be spoken to. There are some train managers who clearly just want to enforce their own rules, I had similar on EMR a while back about reporting anyone without a mask to the police if you feel you should - but that's not as bad as this experience.
There were people sitting in most of the window seats in standard class anyway, but I wasn’t aware of this coach C blanket ban. I’ve contacted avanti and they have assured me the issue will be escalated further, which I’m happy about.

How sustainable is this model of travel? Not very in my opinion! Masks were supposed to allow for much less social distancing, enforcing both doesn’t do any good for the industry!
 

AdamWW

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There were people sitting in most of the window seats in standard class anyway, but I wasn’t aware of this coach C blanket ban. I’ve contacted avanti and they have assured me the issue will be escalated further, which I’m happy about.

That's good news.

When I've complained about staff throwing their weight around and trying to enforce ticket rules that they've made up, the company has shown no interest in the idea that their staff should actually understand ticketing rules, let alone be polite about enforcing what they think the rules are.
 

route101

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There were people sitting in most of the window seats in standard class anyway, but I wasn’t aware of this coach C blanket ban. I’ve contacted avanti and they have assured me the issue will be escalated further, which I’m happy about.

How sustainable is this model of travel? Not very in my opinion! Masks were supposed to allow for much less social distancing, enforcing both doesn’t do any good for the industry!

9 car pendo then? Not even sure coach U is unreserved now?
 

Scotrail314209

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Coach C on Pendolinos is apparently reserved for the shop clerk and train manager to use. Access to Coach C is believed to only be if you are visiting the shop, it is not meant for passengers to use.

Granted, the behaviour of the train manager was inexcusable, there really is no harm in opening up seats towards the Scotland end of Coach C, away from the shop.
 

AdamWW

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Coach C on Pendolinos is apparently reserved for the shop clerk and train manager to use. Access to Coach C is believed to only be if you are visiting the shop, it is not meant for passengers to use.

Granted, the behaviour of the train manager was inexcusable, there really is no harm in opening up seats towards the Scotland end of Coach C, away from the shop.

Isn't that a bit over the top? A whole coach out of use to protect staff?
 

MDB1images

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I encountered an issue with train announcements today.

A friend and I were at Carlisle and the Avanti 390 was announced as 'Standard Unreserved seating in Coach C', but when we sat in Coach C, the Train Manager shouted (and I mean shouted) at us that this was 'NOT FOR OUR USE' and that our behaviour was 'DANGEROUS!', perhaps I just got unlucky with the TM, but she was extremely angry with us, I was just following the announcements on the station.

She also announced that masks must be worn on this service and that anyone without a mask should be reported to the BTP and will be removed. I genuinely feel awful for those with medical exemptions, they're being made to feel like third-rate citizens, I expected better than this from this country.

Not sure if it's still the same but at the height of the pandremic Coach C was for crew only and taped/marked off.
 

Scotrail314209

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Isn't that a bit over the top? A whole coach out of use to protect staff?

I think LNER have done similar with Coach B. It's for use of the train manager to be able to do the doors without getting close to passengers. I believe this is the same reason Coach C is for staff use, you can't really do social distancing in a vestibule with passengers waiting to alight behind you.
 

trebor79

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I think LNER have done similar with Coach B. It's for use of the train manager to be able to do the doors without getting close to passengers. I believe this is the same reason Coach C is for staff use, you can't really do social distancing in a vestibule with passengers waiting to alight behind you.
You can. You just ask people in that coach not to gather in the vestibule until the doors are opened.
Before the world went mad, I've heard that being asked many times before on crowded services, so the guard could get to the door controls.
It certainly doesn't warrant being rude to passengers.
 

Scotrail314209

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You can. You just ask people in that coach not to gather in the vestibule until the doors are opened.
Before the world went mad, I've heard that being asked many times before on crowded services, so the guard could get to the door controls.
It certainly doesn't warrant being rude to passengers.

Oh yeah, yelling at the passenger is 100% wrong. I do hope she gets her comeuppance for that. Logically, it makes sense that they are doing that for now. However as trains get busier they will eventually need to open Coach C to passengers again.
 

yorkie

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Unpleasant announcements on the 1310 from London Marylebone today.

The Guard told everyone to stay 2 metres apart (despite the fact more sensible train operators have abandoned that in accordance with the latest guidelines) and stated that anyone who does not have their mask on for the full journey is liable to an on the spot £100 fine.

No mention of exemptions, and anyone taking it at face value would have assumed food & drink was banned too!

None of the usual welcome stuff either, just warnings and threats.

I used to think Chiltern were one of the more decent TOCs but some of their actions are making me question that.

The experience on my LNER train was much better, the message was spot on.
 

John Hunt

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Unpleasant announcements on the 1310 from London Marylebone today.

The Guard told everyone to stay 2 metres apart (despite the fact more sensible train operators have abandoned that in accordance with the latest guidelines) and stated that anyone who does not have their mask on for the full journey is liable to an on the spot £100 fine.

No mention of exemptions, and anyone taking it at face value would have assumed food & drink was banned too!

None of the usual welcome stuff either, just warnings and threats.

I used to think Chiltern were one of the more decent TOCs but some of their actions are making me question that.

The experience on my LNER train was much better, the message was spot on.

Maybe the Guard was having a very bad day or started the day with a row with his missus?
If either of the above, still inexcusable. I too have always had a good experience with Chiltern pre-Covid.
 

trebor79

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Unpleasant announcements on the 1310 from London Marylebone today.

The Guard told everyone to stay 2 metres apart (despite the fact more sensible train operators have abandoned that in accordance with the latest guidelines) and stated that anyone who does not have their mask on for the full journey is liable to an on the spot £100 fine.
That's pretty absurd, the guard can't levy the fine. He'd have to involve the BTP.
 

AdamWW

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That's pretty absurd, the guard can't levy the fine. He'd have to involve the BTP.

There are some strange characters around.

I was once on a train with a guard who was very friendly, telling people where to change and giving far more iformation than usual.

Then she got to an elderly couple who had railcard tickets but without the railcards and the mood flipped, with her telling them that they could be sent to prison for their offence.

What justifies that?
 

duncanp

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That's pretty absurd, the guard can't levy the fine. He'd have to involve the BTP.

And even the BTP can't levy a fine, they can give you a fixed penalty notice, which can be challenged in court.

The law provides for certain exemptions from wearing masks, so before a fine fixed penalty notice can be levied, due process must be followed to determine whether the person concerned has an exemption. If such due process is not followed, then you can argue that the fine fixed penalty notice is invalid.

You can also argue that the train company is making incorrect statements if it says ".. anyone who does not have their mask on for the full journey is liable to an on the spot £100 fine...", because it doesn't take account of exemptions, the fact that it is not a fine, and the fact that the train company does not have the power to levy the "..fine..".
 

Scotrail314209

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Train guards do seem to be going a bit OTT with announcements now. Scotrail are barely policing it on their trains.
 

trebor79

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Train guards do seem to be going a bit OTT with announcements now. Scotrail are barely policing it on their trains.
No mention of masks made by the guard on my train back from Norwich last night. Every passenger I could see removed them and put them back on when standing up to alight.
GAs website has words to the effect that the guard can legally and politely remind you of the requirement unless you are exempt, but aren't responsible for enforcement.
The Stadlers are effectively DOO at the moment. Auto announcements and the guard never emerges from the rear cab. Must be a bit boring for them.
 

yorkie

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Maybe the Guard was having a very bad day or started the day with a row with his missus?
I never said the Guard was a he! ;)

I wasn't meaning to be overly critical of the person; they may have simply been sticking to company policy / a script. It was more ab observation and such a contrast to LNER.
 

Mag_seven

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The guard on a GWR service I was on the other day emphasised that face cover wearing on public transport was "the law" with no mention of exemptions. As we pulled into every station he also maintained that the face covering must continue to be worn "until you have left the station premises" because once again that was "the law".
 
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