Sir – Recently, I accompanied my elderly parents on a rail trip from Worcester Foregate Street to Birmingham New Street. It was, without doubt, one of the worst travel experiences ever.
Due to an earlier and abrupt train cancellation, our train was overcrowded. Separated from my parents due to the numbers, I had to watch as my 81-year-old father was forced to stand the entire trip. He stood while able bodied people, many teenagers on mobile phones, just sat there oblivious to his discomfort. Not one offered him their seat!
Halfway through the journey, another elderly gentleman felt unwell and was given a seat only after a kind individual told one of the youngsters, rather sternly, to move as somebody was having difficulty standing. Unfortunately, this octogenarian never made it to his destination as he got off at the next available stop.
But to sum it all up, a teenage boy immediately sat back down in the recently vacated seat. Meanwhile, my 81-year-old father continued to stand.
Though I now live in Canada, I have read the odd horror story about travelling by rail these days. However, in many ways, I was far more upset by the appalling state of manners in this country today.
John MacMillan
Vancouver, BC, Canada
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