The only reason passengers are taking it out on staff is because no one has told them what is going on.
It's not the only reason why passengers are taking it out on staff. Abuse from passengers is a daily occurrence. This debacle has just put more fuel on the already burning fire.
There is no excuse for the abusive and vitriolic behavior from the passengers.
I love being told that trains are always late or cancelled; just as mine rolls into the station on time.
I love being told that its because the everyone is out on strike; as I'm standing there, in uniform or leaning out my cab window.
I really love being told that the station is a mess; as the passenger is pouring the contents of their drink onto the platform.
I find it just lovely when I'm told that my train isn't going to Penge East, because Thameslink doesn't go to Penge East and that Southeastern doesn't drive Thameslink trains; as I'm getting out the cab of a 700.
I have a pretty nice watch that my Sister bought me for Christmas; I love it when people tap theirs furiously, I wonder if the face gets scratched.
I love being given the universal sign for.., as I pass through a station I'm not actually booked to call at.
I love being told I'm useless for not knowing the next service to Clapham Junction and what platform its on.
My geography is ok (ish) but I truly love being told *'I'm not very helpful' because I don't know how to get to random, unknown station, halfway up the country.
I also love being told that its because Drivers are taking the pee with route learning, the union is dragging it out, I should give up my rest days, I should work overtime, I should just do as I'm told or find another job, I drive too slow on restrictive signals or coming into a platform, because, you know, this forum would never say any of that...
*the polite terms.
BTW I love my job.
I know it sucks and I feel your pain too. We are working hard to get this all resolved.