Sick of train driver just passing me

[gypsytrampandthief]

Twice this week the driver "hasn't seen me" (despite today standing as close to the track as is reasonably safe and waving) Yesterday morning he didn't stop and I drove to the next station, passing the train, and got to the platform where he had pulled in for a group of teenage female students going to college. I was so furious I spoke to the ticket inspector and explained that this is the second time the driver has gone right by me. For complete transparency, the first time I was looking at my phone and late to wave, but ffs, why else would anyone be standing on an empty platform at 7.10 in the morning! Yesterday I was 100% looking up and arm out.

AIBU to think that a dumpy middle aged woman is not as "visible" as a teenage student?

It depends where you live. We live in a very rural area (the least used station in the UK is two stops away) and yes, trains are like buses, you have to flag them down. But on the plus side, at Christmas, the driver waves a box of Quality Street out of his window as you get on.

Get a bright scarf or bright flag & wave it vigourously

If the train passes again, put in a formal complaint in writing to the train company

Complain to the station manager, or someone higher up. Someone will just need a word with him. He's being an arse

Not been to any such places. Any names of example stations? I’m imagining ones that look a bit like Hogsmeade station in Harry Potter

This is so true, I have never actually come across a request stop on a train line however on reading this my thought was that it must be a thing, as opposed to assuming the OP did not know how trains work or thinking she mustn't be in the UK.

OP you could well be right but the numbers probably also make a difference. Driver really should be paying better attention though - the idea of something bright to wave is worth trying and agree film in case it sails on through as its worth raising

Look up Sugar Loaf Station in Wales. Also many on the Heart of Wales line. We occasionally have a steam train come through and it’s very Harry Potter, if you time it right you can drive alongside it on the road.

Normally yes. However in some remote locations there are little used stations which are request stops, and only stop if you flag it down.

Try a marine flare?

I’d make a complaint OP

There was a request stop on my old route, but the stations were so frequent that it seemed like as soon as the train was up to speed it was time to slow down for the next station.

12 stations, I think, including where I got on and got off and not including the request stop. It's about 20 miles by road. If the roads are clear it's quicker to drive, but a. I don't drive, and b. during rush hour the train is quicker, if not fun for the claustrophobic.

Penhelig Station in Aberdyfi is a request stop. Always feel like Bobbie in the Railway Children when I go there...I should remove my voluminous petticoats

Sugar Loaf

put in a complaint

@PriamFarrl that actually looks very similar!

To those asking it's not the quickest, and it is possible to chase it along the adjoining road and indeed overtake it at some points! But I was only able to get on at the next stop as several students were getting on.

My favorite request stop that I discovered last year when on holiday is Lympstone Commando station which yes - actual commandos. I did wonder why the train was so full of very fit (in both senses of the word) young men until we pulled up there.

We have these stops in Germany but there's a button to press which activates a signal further down the track. That would seem to make more sense as I imagine it must be difficult for drivers to see, and a bit hazardous to lean into the track!

We still have request stops here. I had a train driver refuse to stop and let me off. I was traumatised as I had no idea how to get home from the next stop.

I haven't bothered since. :(

Mine was in the exeter area (could have changed now though!!)

@gypsytrampandthief
I’m a train driver (not on a request stop line) and if you’re not aware, the braking of a train is not like a bus.

If you wave at the last minute, the driver will simply not be able to stop. We have metal wheels on a metal track, great for long distances, not great for slamming on at the last minute as they simply lock up and slide.

The point to wave is as soon as they have arrived at the far end of the platform, preferable ensuring you’re not in a dark coat/jacket but something visible. Waving with your phone torch light is a good suggestion if it’s dark.

Also, if you’re not gesturing and simply playing on your phone, they’ll just think you’re a spotter, and make no attempts to stop at all.

So what’s your plan for Monday morning OP, wave your red petticoat in one hand with a flare in the other, while wearing a hi vis jacket and a flashing head torch?

I do think having something bright is a fair suggestion, easier to spot on a dark morning. Still not good enough though - drivers should be actively looking out for passengers at each stop. The morning you were looking at your phone is one thing, missing you waving is another!

Also, yes I have previously used a train with a bell to press to request a stop, but I think a conductor is more common.

I'd make myself a nice stop sign and if he doesn't stop then turn it around it has the 🖕🖕🖕 sign on the back

Maybe a 'Driver Please Stop' placard with a red circle? We have a STOP and await instructions sign that has been replaced by signalling in our garage. Just a white background, red circle would probably be clear enough to get the attention.

Well in this imaginary scenario this is what would happen. I’m not sure what point you are making.

The bold confidence of the replies makes me laugh, though: “That’s not how trains work.” Except it clearly is in the OP. It’s the equivalent of replying “You are wrong about your own life.”

Not only does the train driver not stop for you a ton of peeps on MN then tell you that you can’t be at a request stop for the train because they don’t exist … time to get radical OP!