ryan125hst
Established Member
I think it's bad enough when station toilets are closed before the end of service as it certainly is not customer friendly. What about if a train is delayed or the train's onboard toilet is locked out of use, or if it doesn't have one in the first place!
But from what others have said it's even worse during the current pandemic. Key workers have always been able to travel, so what were/are they supposed to do if they need to use the toilet while waiting for their train? Not everyone lives next door to a station, and of course pubs/cafes/departments stores were all shut for three months so the usual potential alternatives were unavailable. As restrictions are lifted and more people travel, this is clearly going to become even more of an issue.
I understand them closing waiting rooms and removing catering to keep staff and passengers safe, but toilets should be open. Aside from the issue of needing to use a toilet, we are being advised to wash our hands often for at least 20 seconds. How is this possible if toilets are closed? Keeping them shut may help with social distancing, but it does no favours in encouraging the excellent standards of hygiene we all need to have to control the virus.
But from what others have said it's even worse during the current pandemic. Key workers have always been able to travel, so what were/are they supposed to do if they need to use the toilet while waiting for their train? Not everyone lives next door to a station, and of course pubs/cafes/departments stores were all shut for three months so the usual potential alternatives were unavailable. As restrictions are lifted and more people travel, this is clearly going to become even more of an issue.
I understand them closing waiting rooms and removing catering to keep staff and passengers safe, but toilets should be open. Aside from the issue of needing to use a toilet, we are being advised to wash our hands often for at least 20 seconds. How is this possible if toilets are closed? Keeping them shut may help with social distancing, but it does no favours in encouraging the excellent standards of hygiene we all need to have to control the virus.