To expect to sit on an empty train seat?

[NellieTheElephant1]

Travelling on a busy train to London, lady wearing a mask sitting on a window seat with her bags next to her on the aisle seat. No other seats available nearby. Asked her politely 'excuse me please' indicating that I wanted to sit there. She mumbled 'sorry no I need to distance'. Surely if you're that worried about Covid don't travel on public transport at busy times?

The OP has paid to travel on a train and sit on a seat

Ah but she hasn’t. She’s paid for the journey, there’s no guarantee of a seat. That’s why people get chucked out of 1st class when their defence is that there are no seats in 2nd.

We're expected to manage without in SE London, and have done for decades now, although late at night and at quiet times it would be nice to know there was a responsible member of staff around in case of trouble. Travelled recently on SW Trains, middle of the day, hardly anybody on the train, train manager made an announcement several times. Took me aback.

I am disabled and unable to stand for long periods of time, otherwise I would have given up my seat

I don't understand what disability has to do with this, since OP wasn't expecting to sit in the other passenger's seat ... just the one which was occupied by her bags?

That's brilliant!
Bristol to Penzance line I had to use the other day and it was RAMMED.
Just a rugby scrum to get on.
Dogs on laps are ok, but bags and dogs on seats are not, unless there is plenty of room.
A lot of people think that by putting their baggage on a seat that it will put people off sitting there.
Don't know why extra carriages aren't put on at busy periods.

You don't know her circumstances. People use trains to get to medical appts.

My DP has advanced cancer and takes a train to London for treatment. He sometimes has no choice as to the timings so it can be on a busy train.

So it's nonsense to say people who are vulnerable should not use a train.

I think you ought to be more imaginative and consider not everyone wants to share their full medical history with you.

FWIW when we have gone by train for DPs appts, we sit away from other people, and have stood in the doorway rather than use a seat near other people.

This. ^^ And if anyone wants TWO seats to distance themselves, they can buy a second seat. Cheeky cah!

I agree the OP is right to think she takes precedence over bags, but this “she shouldn’t be on public transport” attitude is an indication about a lot that is wrong with this country.

Vulnerable and older people don’t always get to choose if they need to take a train. For example, what if she was going by train to her chemo appointment, or to visit her child in hospital? Genuine compassion and an understanding that others may have pressures that you don’t is badly needed right now.

But she should have moved her bags.

Including me.

I'm entitled to have a seat over and above a Samsonite as well.

3 hours in - fit happened next?

ridiculous!!

@PansyPetunia How is that post 'ridiculous'?

There are people on trains who are ill but aren't wearing a badge. They are often going to medical appts for treatment. They have a right to ask someone to choose another seat if one is available.

It's very thoughtless to say these people should not use a train OR ask for some consideration from others.

@NellieTheElephant1 You've lobbed this hand grenade of a thread but not come back.

I'd like to know if that seat was the only one on the train. Or if you nose was put out of joint by someone being assertive to protect their health.

You have no idea if that woman had cancer, or some other illness which meant Covid could have made her very ill.

It's worse now that almost no one is wearing a mask.

I think you ought to respect a simple request.

T h I s!!!

(Or immuno compromised and needed to take public transport at tbat time)

I think you ought to respect a simple request.

”Please stand for your journey so I can have an empty seat next to me” isn’t really a ‘simple request’…

Tell Me you got her to move bags

Or start a hacking cough!!!!

Sit on her bags

I agree the OP is right to think she takes precedence over bags, but this “she shouldn’t be on public transport” attitude is an indication about a lot that is wrong with this country.

People are not really saying she shouldn't be on public transport though, they are saying she shouldn't be on public transport if she is going to demand another fare paying adult stands up so her bags can be seated.

Ah good point maybe SHE has covid

Yes, that would definitely work. 🙄

Bear in mind that she might not be vulnerable herself - she might be about to visit a vulnerable person and hence a bit twitchy. It's a difficult time for some people.

Surely we’re not still under the impression that being 1m away will magically protect you from covid even if you’re in a confined space and breathing the same air?

This ^ Surely if you get on a crowded train you know you're putting yourself at a higher risk of covid even if you have no choice about making the journey. That goes for the OP and the other passenger. Putting bags on a seat on a busy train is obviously completely unreasonable.

Oh Fgs. She is using public transport so she needs to deal with it. The seat is for a person. If the lady wanted to sit alone for whatever issue then she should have used private transport.

Then you offer an apology and a brief explanation . You don't just arrogantly sit there and expect people to stand.