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Train etiquette

684 replies

EmJA85 · 10/08/2025 10:41

Was getting the train back to London from a day out in Folkestone yesterday with my husband and my 1 year old. It’s not possible to book seats on that line. We arrived at the platform 30mins early because we knew it would be busy. As soon as the train arrived people literally pushed us out of the way to get on. Then there was a man with 2 bikes by the door, we couldn’t attempt to move to another carriage because we wouldn’t get on and the trains only run once an hour. People tutted and moaned because I was having trouble getting on. There wasn’t space to keep the buggy up so I had to carry him and people thought it was acceptable to let me stand holding a 12kg toddler, he can’t walk yet and is very energetic. I spoke out and was given a seat but everyone gave me dirty looks as if I was in the wrong. If I rocked up late or if seats were assigned I would say fair enough but I was there early and they all pushed in front. The icing on the cake was the seat I was given was in the area with the tables so he was given a makeshift drum and thought it was a social event so he proceeded to babble at everyone for the hour , people were not impressed. Is there an unwritten rule that you don’t get trains with kids? I don’t have a car

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Fragmentedbrain · 11/08/2025 15:24

Harry12345 · 10/08/2025 22:38

I’ve got trains from 2 big cities in Scotland for years with young children and people are very helpful and nice, never had the experience op is speaking of. Most people actually help you on with the buggy and give up a seat for you

Er. Well not from my observation. Everyone just shudders and hopes you'll wheel on to another carriage so we don't have to hear the squeals.

Lazydaze123 · 11/08/2025 13:03

It’s sounds like a horrible experience OP, I’ve no idea why so many people think this sort of service that you’re paying for is acceptable - that’s down to the train company, but it’s sad that so many think grown adults pushing and shoving past each other is normal, it’s not normal behaviour from decent people. But going on some of the reply’s here I’m not surprised.

Gowlett · 11/08/2025 13:01

You were definitely right to ask for a seat.
Your child has every right to chat & play.

If everyone wants to sit around on headphones, devices & not take part in society anymore, let them…

Petitchat · 11/08/2025 12:57

Pherian · 11/08/2025 12:40

What time was it when you got on the train.

When I commuted on trains I was very annoyed by people bringing children and buggies during rush hour.

Outside of rush hours I didn’t care. What you experienced is pretty typical. People aren’t friendly on public transport and giving up seats is pretty rare.

Shame Southerners are so very ignorant then, isn't it?

In the North we are more friendly, helpful and accepting.

Talk about a North/South divide?
Yeah it exists alright.....in manners!

ParvuliThankYouDebbie · 11/08/2025 12:52

LizzyEm · 11/08/2025 12:32

That's because it's on a completely different line, its the Dover line.

A Margate train would never be rerouted through Folkestone because it's completely out of the way, nowhere near it.

Yeah, that was the point I ducked out yesterday tbh.
You can a train from Folkestone to Ramsgate, separately, sure. It does not go via Margate however. And Margate trains go to St. Pancras not Kings Cross. 🤷‍♀️

Pherian · 11/08/2025 12:40

EmJA85 · 10/08/2025 10:41

Was getting the train back to London from a day out in Folkestone yesterday with my husband and my 1 year old. It’s not possible to book seats on that line. We arrived at the platform 30mins early because we knew it would be busy. As soon as the train arrived people literally pushed us out of the way to get on. Then there was a man with 2 bikes by the door, we couldn’t attempt to move to another carriage because we wouldn’t get on and the trains only run once an hour. People tutted and moaned because I was having trouble getting on. There wasn’t space to keep the buggy up so I had to carry him and people thought it was acceptable to let me stand holding a 12kg toddler, he can’t walk yet and is very energetic. I spoke out and was given a seat but everyone gave me dirty looks as if I was in the wrong. If I rocked up late or if seats were assigned I would say fair enough but I was there early and they all pushed in front. The icing on the cake was the seat I was given was in the area with the tables so he was given a makeshift drum and thought it was a social event so he proceeded to babble at everyone for the hour , people were not impressed. Is there an unwritten rule that you don’t get trains with kids? I don’t have a car

What time was it when you got on the train.

When I commuted on trains I was very annoyed by people bringing children and buggies during rush hour.

Outside of rush hours I didn’t care. What you experienced is pretty typical. People aren’t friendly on public transport and giving up seats is pretty rare.

LizzyEm · 11/08/2025 12:32

Mousehi · 11/08/2025 12:03

I was thinking this. I get the margate line and never hear folkestone mentioned.

That's because it's on a completely different line, its the Dover line.

A Margate train would never be rerouted through Folkestone because it's completely out of the way, nowhere near it.

SonK · 11/08/2025 12:23

Some harsh replies OP, I would have offered you my seat in such a situation.

Also, rush hour or no rush hour, people shouldn't be pushing past you when you are carrying a one year old - what if you lost your balance?

MonsterMunchFraggle · 11/08/2025 12:05

YellowZebraStripes · 10/08/2025 10:57

Were you expecting a red carpet? 😂There was a train, you managed to get on, someone gave you a seat, it was quite busy. I don't see how this was anyone else fault - someone with bikes can only get on at certain carriages of the train.

To be fair, recently I have found that people seem to get on whatever carriage they feel like with bikes 🤷‍♀️

Mousehi · 11/08/2025 12:03

LizzyEm · 11/08/2025 10:53

The Margate train never goes through Folkestone.

Folkestone is on a different line.

I was thinking this. I get the margate line and never hear folkestone mentioned.

LizzyEm · 11/08/2025 10:53

EmJA85 · 10/08/2025 14:47

I got on at Folkestone and got off at Stratford International.

the train began its journey in ramsgate, travelled via Margate and ended in King’s Cross

The Margate train never goes through Folkestone.

Folkestone is on a different line.

Phobiaphobic · 11/08/2025 10:12

GleisZwei · 10/08/2025 11:23

Right, but it not happening to you doesn't mean it didn't happen.

Oh, so that applies to me but not to you?

Mayanatalia · 11/08/2025 10:07

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

GleisZwei · 11/08/2025 09:25

thinklagoon · 11/08/2025 09:06

Mate. You’ve been like a dog with a bone on this thread.

Not your mate.
Made relevant points.

GleisZwei · 11/08/2025 09:25

newhouseplans · 11/08/2025 09:02

Agreed.

Great. Already replied.

PinkArt · 11/08/2025 09:25

EmJA85 · 11/08/2025 07:26

Look into incel and anti natalism

You're embarrassing yourself now. You asked about train etiquette and lots of people pointed out that it was you and your husband displaying poor etiquette by not being ready to board an overly full train when everyone else was, and getting in their way.
Calling people incels for explaining this to you is ridiculous. Pushing is bad, someone carrying a baby needing to stand is bad, but getting in the way of people getting onto the only train for an hour, for a preventable reason, is also bad.

GleisZwei · 11/08/2025 09:24

thepariscrimefiles · 11/08/2025 08:58

Your huge number of posts, all of them criticising OP, could be construed as obsessive, if not actually bullying. It's as though you have a personal vendetta against her.

Well, anything can be 'construed' as anything if you apply bias.
A significant percentage of my points were also not directed directly at OP.
I've essentially suggested she be more prepared next time, as have lots of others. I'm beginning to think it's all one big wind up, tbbh.

GleisZwei · 11/08/2025 09:22

thepariscrimefiles · 11/08/2025 08:55

OP has been scolded for travelling at 'rush hour' and expecting a seat. OP has rightly said that it wasn't rush hour. People do work at the weekend but rush hour is normally Monday - Friday.

OP actually declared that it wasn't a working day because it was Saturday.
The suggestion of not travelling with kids at rush hour is a separate thing, and is a tad harsh - I'd personally have tried to avoid that but it's not always possible. ✌️

Petitchat · 11/08/2025 09:16

EmJA85 · 11/08/2025 08:03

if you read the thread , I’m only like that with certain posters, the ones stiring the pot…. If I keep them busy on here , they won’t have time to go hassle someone else.
Anyway, as much as I’ve enjoyed chatting to you all, I have to go to work now, one of those working moms 😬 🙄
keep up the good fight for whatever it is you’re fighting for.
I’m sure our paths will cross again one day but it won’t be on mumsnet , that’s for sure

That was similar to my old grandad's saying, OP.

He used to say "when they're bothering us, they're leaving some other poor bugger alone"

🤣

thinklagoon · 11/08/2025 09:06

GleisZwei · 11/08/2025 08:06

Nobody has bullied you though.

Mate. You’ve been like a dog with a bone on this thread.

newhouseplans · 11/08/2025 09:02

thepariscrimefiles · 11/08/2025 08:58

Your huge number of posts, all of them criticising OP, could be construed as obsessive, if not actually bullying. It's as though you have a personal vendetta against her.

Agreed.

thepariscrimefiles · 11/08/2025 08:58

GleisZwei · 11/08/2025 08:06

Nobody has bullied you though.

Your huge number of posts, all of them criticising OP, could be construed as obsessive, if not actually bullying. It's as though you have a personal vendetta against her.

thepariscrimefiles · 11/08/2025 08:55

GleisZwei · 10/08/2025 11:39

Yes, we know she decided to dismiss all the people who work at weekends, people who make parts of her life possible. How dare these tired people not prioritise her needs.

OP has been scolded for travelling at 'rush hour' and expecting a seat. OP has rightly said that it wasn't rush hour. People do work at the weekend but rush hour is normally Monday - Friday.

Moonnstars · 11/08/2025 08:25

Is train etiquette different to bus etiquette I wonder?
As a child we often caught the bus to places and if adults were standing, as children my mum would make myself and my brother stand. The idea being that you respect elders and that children should be standing before an adult has to. While a lot of adults wouldn't allow this (standing on a bus as a young child perhaps more wild than the train) some would take up the offer. Perhaps it depends on regions and different expectations over who takes priority.

GleisZwei · 11/08/2025 08:06

EmJA85 · 11/08/2025 08:05

Or like someone able to stand up against the bullies 👀

Nobody has bullied you though.