Mixed response to train firm’s Valentine’s gesture
FREE ROSE DESCRIBED AS ‘CUTE’ BY ONE PASSENGER BUT ‘AN INSULT’ BY ANOTHER
THOUSANDS of free roses were handed out to train passengers by TransPennine Express staff yesterday – but not everyone appreciated the Valentine’s Day PR stunt.
Natalie Bradbury, who was heading from Huddersfield to Leeds, called on the train company to focus their time and energy on getting people from A to B.
She told the Examiner: “The trains are always too short formed and therefore overcrowded at peak times, meaning most journeys are spent standing squished or fighting with fellow passengers to even get on a train. The trains are also often late.
“These things as a one-off are acceptable and expected but for it to be the norm is unacceptable, especially given the cost of train tickets.
“The rose is an insult. They should focus their time and effort on fixing their issues rather than pointless gestures that don’t add any value to the core purpose of their existence – to get people for A to B in a timely, efficient and comfortable manner.”
Harry Horton, political correspondent for Calendar, tweeted: “Free roses for all passengers today. One suspects the love is not mutual for most commuters...”
Some commuters welcomed the gesture and took to social media to say thanks.
Rafeea Patel tweeted: “Started my day with a smile this morning!
Thank you to TransPennine Express for this beautiful rose and spreading positivity and love.”
Gee Fenton tweeted: “Nothing cuter than getting a rose at the train station for Valentine’s Day.”
A TransPennine Express spokesman said staff had handed out the roses at Huddersfield, Manchester Airport and Manchester Piccadilly.
“Overall it has been a success. All of them were handed out. We have had positive feedback from customers. A few people were shocked that they were free.”
Last month TransPennine Express announced that Huddersfield season ticket holders will be eligible for a 3% rebate as compensation for delays and cancellations.
The news followed the cancellation of hundreds of services during January. The rail operator blamed the disruption on the roll-out of a new fleet of trains which they said were taking longer than expected.