Quiet Carriage / Coach: restrictions and issues - ongoing discussion, merged topic

[whole diary]

[broadgage]

I recently saw a good misunderstanding on the down Golden Hind. Two smartly dressed "city types" were enjoying a meal in F, the restaurant when one wished to take a phone call.

Sorry missed this bit off my last post.

I think they were very well intentioned but were just rather unfortunate. You can't blame them for good etiquette and certainly making a good effort which backfired slightly though.

Agree, they certainly intended to be polite but misunderstood the rules.

[Andrew1939 from West Oxon]

I think most of these people who do not want anyone else to sit beside them discourage any one from asking by putting all their luggage on the adjacent seat.

[thetrout]

I think most of these people who do not want anyone else to sit beside them discourage any one from asking by putting all their luggage on the adjacent seat.

Couldn't agree more. I caught the 19:06 Frome - Bristol Temple Meads train yesterday. There were 2 ladies sat at a Table of 4 occupying the 2 window seats, Lots of luggage. Holding a cup of tea and wanting to get my laptop out to have a flick through my e-mails I asked to take one of the seats. They were less than impressed and threw the comment "Where do you expect us to put the bags" Whilst I didn't say anything a part of me was thinking, that's not my problem really is it?!

I'll put my bag on the seat next to me, but will always move it if people get on looking for seats.

[John R]

And where did they put the bags? Or did you move on?

[grahame]

National Conditions of Carriage, clause 37

Unless you are disabled or have reduced mobility and have made arrangements in advance for assistance, you should be able to manage your luggage without additional help. Luggage is carried subject to sufficient space being available in the train service you wish to use. Luggage should not occupy seats intended for passengers; if it does so, it may be charged for as set out in Appendix B.

Useful one to quote at people ... including the older folks of whom I'll be one in a few years who stand at the bottom of the steps at Chippenham station and ask passers by for help.   I'm fortunate - I can't recall ever having to ask for help with bags, but I have changed my journey plans and selected wheelchair-friendly stations when travelling heavily loaded. Whole new subject there, me thinks!

[TaplowGreen]

It's the "quiet" carriage, not the "silent" carriage - if someone has to take/make a brief call on a mobile I don't really have a problem with it as long as its a "quiet" conversation......no worse than two people sitting next to each other talking?

What if a Doctor needs to take a call on a busy train....is he supposed to battle his way through to a "non quiet" coach just to preserve peoples (rather precious) feelings?

Personally I try to have consideration for others wherever I am or wherever I'm sitting, and it's certainly far less obnoxious than someone bawling "Oi, it's the quiet carriage".

Lets get into the 21st century folks, is it really that much of an issue in the great scheme of things? 

[Mookiemoo]

It's the "quiet" carriage, not the "silent" carriage - if someone has to take/make a brief call on a mobile I don't really have a problem with it as long as its a "quiet" conversation......no worse than two people sitting next to each other talking?

What if a Doctor needs to take a call on a busy train....is he supposed to battle his way through to a "non quiet" coach just to preserve peoples (rather precious) feelings?

Personally I try to have consideration for others wherever I am or wherever I'm sitting, and it's certainly far less obnoxious than someone bawling "Oi, it's the quiet carriage".

Lets get into the 21st century folks, is it really that much of an issue in the great scheme of things? 

I agree actually.  A quiet phone call is not a problem what is worse is:

1. People typing on keyboards like they are trying to burrow through to Australia
2. Train managers in the guards "office" thing when there are multiple managers shouting and laughing like they are having a party so they can be heard half way down the quiet coach
3. People having a chapagne or wine party who get louder with each station
4. Families who bring fractious children into the quiet carriage. 

 and lastly......

5. Anyone who does anything to dare wake me up when I'm trying to get a kip

 

[grahame]

I agree actually.  A quiet phone call is not a problem

Amazingly as the one who started this thread, I somewhat agree.  The case in point wasn't short, wasn't quiet and wasn't a doctor ... all of us around were learning about some way of getting customers to "take the bait" in some promotion.  The problem if you don't have a blanket ban is in knowing hoe to define a limit ...

what is worse is:

6. Announcements after every station telling you about what's on sale in the buffet, and to respect the quiet carriage!

5. Anyone who does anything to dare wake me up when I'm trying to get a kip

I'll remember to climb over you next time I want the unoccupied window seat that's inside from you 

[Mookiemoo]

5. Anyone who does anything to dare wake me up when I'm trying to get a kip

I'll remember to climb over you next time I want the unoccupied window seat that's inside from you 

EXCUSE ME! lol

If I'm sleeping I'm in the window seat of an airline seat!  Yes me, the queen of the tables, but if I know I'm going to dream land I'm not occupying a table

[JayMac]

5. Anyone who does anything to dare wake me up when I'm trying to get a kip

Does that include a guard performing a ticket check?

[Mookiemoo]

5. Anyone who does anything to dare wake me up when I'm trying to get a kip

Does that include a guard performing a ticket check?

Ticket will be left suitably available for inspection without disturbing me

[thetrout]

And where did they put the bags? Or did you move on?

They tried to stall me I think. Then I put the cup of tea down on the table and they begrudgingly put their bags under the table/seat. Then complained about having no leg room. I pointed out that I had my legs in the aisle because of their holdals at my feet.

Ticket will be left suitably available for inspection without disturbing me

Thanks... I'll pick it up if I see the RPI^▸ (Revenue Protection Inspector (or Retail Price Index, depending on the context))'s coming for my backside...

/not in the lighter side, runs away!

[Jason]

There was also that set running around not long ago which had 2 coach G's in it. Which of course caused no end of confusion because there were 2 First Class Carriages which were both labelled as Quiet Carriages. As there was a Micro Buffet...

Ah yes, I remember that time well and generally asked the train manager to confirm that the coach in position H was in fact non-quiet. Generally I find first class very well self-policing and someone will come stomping along quite rapidly once anything gets above low-ambient noise.

There was a period a few years ago where there was a reprint of an FT(?) letter displayed at the ends of the quiet coach near the magazine rack where someone was having a rant about people abusing the clearly signed quiet zones.

This did amuse me though:
http://www.rosiemillard.com/2012/05/children-should-be-seen-and-not-heard/

[thetrout]

Also found this one...  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/10113434/Commuter-spy-the-silence-of-castration.html

[grahame]

This did amuse me though:
http://www.rosiemillard.com/2012/05/children-should-be-seen-and-not-heard/

She writes in that

Anyway, we do not laugh, scoff, or spit on the ground with disgust. The children roll their eyes and keep quiet. They are used to being treated like ninth class citizens by the general public. On the way back, it is much the same. People groaning  when anyone less than four foot high approaches them. Grumpy people with your invisible force fields, can I remind you (yet again) that today^s giggling nine year old is tomorrow^s care assistant?

She has a fair point ... it's worth taking time out to look for the upcoming generations.  <discussionpoint>But shouldn't we make other amends too - stop treating children as unique charity cases and let them travel at half price. What's does this benevolence do to their self esteem, and their growing up to understand values? The days are long gone that the country needs to encourage its citizens to breed to grow an army.  </discussionpoint>