Millions of Brits are set to travel home by train this Christmas but they have been warned of the biggest social misdemeanours to carry out on the services, such as blaring music
Brits have been warned of the biggest faux pas to commit on trains as millions prepare for the Christmas rush.
Travellers should not talk loudly on phones, blare music and videos out loud and be rude to staff, according to the new research. It lists a series of social misdemeanours that ruin journeys for all passengers packed into carriages for journeys home this festive season.
But rail operators, including London North Eastern Railway (LNER), say journeys have actually been made easier this Christmas as more trains, more seats and quicker trips will be available. The poll, commissioned by LNER, also flags things Brits can do to help make trips smoother, including offering their seats to those who may need it more and helping those with prams.
Saturday December 20 is predicted to be the busiest day of the month, with 43,000 journeys planned along the East Coast Main Line on that day alone. Roads, though, are expected to busiest this day and Friday Saturday 19, mirroring last year’s travel picture when traffic was heaviest on the M60 near the Trafford Centre, Manchester, and on the M25 near Heathrow Airport.
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The nation’s biggest bugbear is people talking too loudly on mobile phones during rail journeys (59%), the survey shows. Blaring music or videos out loud (53%) came second in the list of rail faux pas ahead of leaving rubbish behind (49%) and being rude to staff (43%).
Other notable habits we dislike include; seat hogging (41%), putting feet on seats (40%) and eating smelly food (37%). The industry suggests Brits should take note ahead of the busiest festive period.
To prepare for this, LNER has introduced a new timetable, which starts on Sunday December 14. David Flesher, its commercial director, said: “Christmas is one of the busiest times on our route, and with so many people travelling to see friends and family, it’s no surprise that a few little habits can make a big difference to the journey.
“It’s encouraging to see how many are prepared to partake in the season of goodwill, valuing small acts of kindness, whether it’s offering a seat or giving someone a hand with their luggage. Those gestures really do help when everyone is trying to get home for Christmas.
“This year, we’ll have even more services with the launch of our new timetable on 14 December, and we’re looking forward to welcoming customers and getting them to their destinations during some of the busiest weeks of the year.”
TOP 10 TRAIN DONT’S
- Talk loudly on the phone – 59%
- Blare music or videos out loud – 53%
- Leave rubbish behind – 49%
- Be rude to staff – 43%
- Seat hog with bags/personal items – 41%
- Put feet on seats – 40%
- Eat stinky food – 37%
- Block the aisle – 34%
- Kick the seat in front – 34%
- Vape – 32%
