Outrageous! First Class Train Passengers Block Standard Class Travellers Over Spilled Tea Drama
Passengers Blocked From Walking Through First Class Carriages
STANDARD class train passengers are being blocked from walking through first class carriages — in case they spill posh commuters’ tea.
Decades-Old Tactic Stopped
Rail travellers have traditionally been allowed to move through the front sections before the train pulls into the station to get off closer to the platform gates.
Safety Concerns Over Tea Pouring
But workers on LNER are now stopping the decades-old tactic — blaming the risk of people being scalded while tea is poured.
Major Delays Exacerbated by Lack of Movement
The change is even more galling for those enduring major delays because of Aslef strikes.
Comedic Scene on East Coast Main Line
One passenger on the East Coast Main Line, which links London and Edinburgh, reported being halted from moving forward last week, with an empty tea trolley blocking their way.
Tea Lady Halts Commuter With Empty Trolley
The traveller said: “It was like something from a comedy. “The tea lady was saying she couldn’t risk letting anyone through with so much hot tea about.
Near-Miss Report Over Spilled Tea Incident
“They then parked an empty tea trolley across the vestibule and started filling in a ‘near-miss report’ over some tea that was ‘nearly’ spilled.”
Frustration Amidst Delays
The traveller said a passenger complained as he was running late for a connection owing to his train being cancelled by strikes.
Passenger Frustration Met With Dismissal
A member of staff told him he was “cutting it fine”. Our source went on: “Then a grumpy worker came through and said it wasn’t OK for passengers to feel frustrated by the situation. “The staff in first class want to have their tea and cake and eat it.”
Disappointment Among Standard Ticket-Holders
Another member of staff is said to have told frustrated standard class ticket-holders who are used to gaining valuable seconds by moving into first class: “You’re only saving 100 metres.”
Official Response and Policy Denial
The train operator claimed there had been no change of policy, but said: “We welcome all feedback as we look to further enhance the experience for customers when traveling with us.”