Rail commuters applaud fake fine threats to combat luggage on seats
Train guards have resorted to making fake threats to fine passengers who put their luggage on empty seats.
Rail operators say staff are “empowered” to ask people to remove luggage from seats, with some guards telling passengers they will issue fines if they refuse, even though train firms do not routinely enforce such fees.
Firms have existing powers to restrict passengers to three pieces of luggage under the National Rail Conditions of Travel, under which all train companies operate.
National Rail guidelines state that rail operators can levy an additional luggage charge on people who bring more than three pieces on board or if excess bags occupy seats needed for passenger use. However, some rail firms find that just the threat of a fine is enough to deter passengers.
Some guards have issued warnings to passengers using an extra seat for their luggage in an attempt to free up much-needed space on crowded services.
Great Western Railway, which runs routes to the West Country and South Wales, said its guards were known for using humour to make more serious points.
A GWR spokesman said: “There’s no such thing as a fine for bags on seats. Train managers do tend to find a bit of light humour is a pretty effective way of highlighting the issue and encouraging people to stow luggage more thoughtfully.
“[While] there’s no ban on bags on seats, in terms of busy services our on-board staff are empowered to manage their train safely and efficiently. This may include asking people to pay due regard to their fellow passengers and remove any luggage from seats to allow others to sit.”
A GWR source added: “I’m not aware of us ever implementing these charges, and it would be difficult to manage. Industry rules are in place to provide people with guidance, but we have to rely on customers being responsible and applying common sense.
“It’s a judgment call and staff would treat every case on its own merits, but extremely large items – like surfboards for example – should be stopped at the gates.”
Passengers on Great Western Railway have reported hearing the announcements being issued by guards and managers.
Lisa Power, the veteran LGBT rights campaigner who travels frequently by train to and from Wales, posted on social media: “Absolutely loving the GWR woman train guard who’s just announced she’s going to walk through the train and charge people for any seat occupied by their luggage, as people politer than me are standing and suffering in silence.”
Laura Mittens, from Wiltshire, said: “Good on GWR for announcing that they’d charge anyone the price of an extra seat for putting luggage or coats/bags on seats whilst there are lots of people left standing on this five-carriage train to Penzance! Pity the guy opposite me completely ignored that! Some people, eh?!”
GWR replied on X, formerly Twitter, feed: “Seats are for bums.”
Govia Thameslink Railway, which operates Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern and Gatwick Express, said it urged passengers not to block seats that should be made available to other travellers.
A spokesman said: “We don’t have a ban in place for bags on seats but obviously encourage passengers not to take up room on busy trains by unnecessarily blocking seats and other spaces with luggage.”
Southeastern, which runs some of the country’s busiest commuter lines into London from Kent and East Sussex, said: “Customers are encouraged to use overhead storage or luggage racks.”
‘Half the seats are taken up by baggage’
Baggage being placed on seats at the expense of other passengers is an increasingly regular cause of complaint for travellers.
One Stansted Express user said: “On the train to London and having to stand because half the seats are taken up by baggage. Cases seem to have priority over passengers.”
Lynne Golding reported a similar situation to South Western Railway, saying: “Boarded train at Basingstoke for London. Train is busy but so many seats are being used by people storing their baggage on them – people, including elderly, are having to stand. Surely if this happens the bag owners should be charged for another ticket!!!”
The rail operator advised her to find the on-board guard, replying: “Are you able to ask them to move their bags? If not, are you able to liaise with the guard? They might be able to make an announcement.”
Ms Golding said: “Lady [asked] the chap to move his bag several times but got nowhere. He point-blank refused. Have seen no sight of the guard.”
