I sat in first class on a packed train ...and ended up facing a police quiz
FACED with standing up on yet another overcrowded commute, Edward White decided to take an empty seat in first class.
But his journey to Birmingham New Street ended with the police being called after a train manager decided to make an example of his fare evasion.
Mr White yesterday hit out at the ‘ heavyhanded’ action, which he said left him feeling humiliated. The 26-year-old, who pays £142 for a monthly ticket, said he had gone to first class – which had just four passengers in – because there were no seats in standard and it wasn’t safe to stand.
He said after being challenged by the train manager over not having the correct ticket he initially got up to leave the carriage. But he said he was angered by the way other passengers who had also gone into first class were being spoken to so decided to sit back down.
‘It was very patronising and condescending,’ he said. ‘While I do feel for the people who have paid all that money [to travel in first], I do think first class should be scrapped until they can accommodate all standard class passengers.
‘I know some people will say I am a snowflake millennial or whatever ... but I would have been happy to stand if there was space and it was safe but there wasn’t.’
On arrival at New Street, two British Transport Police officers boarded the train to talk to him. He said: ‘What a waste of time for them. There is rising knife crime, violent crime, and they are called to deal with me – I was just reading my book.’
Mr White travels by the CrossCountry train from Tamworth to Birmingham for work every day. He said he boarded the 8.07am as usual last Wednesday and it was even more busy than normal.
He said he and other passengers have previously sat in first when all other seats were taken and had never had any problems. Confusion surrounds the rules on using first when trains are busy. Sometimes staff ‘declassify’ the carriages so anyone can sit there.
Mr White said: ‘I’d like CrossCountry staff to put themselves in the shoes of commuters, who see the price of annual tickets increased every year, only to face constant delays and overcrowded services.’
The finance worker eventually paid £16 for a first class upgrade, but has now asked for a refund. Police confirmed they attended the incident but that it was a civil matter and it was resolved by railway staff.
CrossCountry said: ‘Crowding can occur on trains at the busiest times and, although this can feel uncomfortable, the trains remain safe. However, even if a train is busy, unless the staff give permission then customers holding standard tickets are not allowed to sit in first class without paying the first class fare.’