Finding a seat on a busy train is a relief, but that feeling can quickly sour if you're stuck next to a passenger with infuriating habits. A revealing new study has pinpointed the behaviours that most irritate British rail travellers, with leaving litter or food packaging behind emerging as the number one annoyance.
Unacceptable Behaviours and the Call for Fines
The research, conducted by Japanese rail travel firm JRPass, investigated which commuter habits are deemed most irritating and unacceptable, particularly during peak travel times. The findings show passengers have strong opinions, especially regarding mess.
A significant 74 per cent of respondents believe leaving litter on a train is never acceptable. Despite this overwhelming consensus, a surprising number of travellers admit to being part of the problem. The survey found that 10 per cent confess to often littering on trains, while 33 per cent admit they are guilty of doing it occasionally.
Commuters feel so strongly about this issue that 75 per cent think it should be punishable with a fine. The preferred penalty for most sits between £11 and £20.
Other Major Commuter Gripes
Littering wasn't the only habit to draw commuters' ire. The survey highlighted several other behaviours that disrupt the journey for fellow passengers.
Putting feet on seats is condemned by 70 per cent of commuters, who find it unacceptable. Mirroring the sentiment on litter, 58 per cent believe offenders should face an £11-£20 fine. However, 11 per cent admit they regularly put their feet up.
In crowded carriages, blocking doorways when space is available inside frustrates 68 per cent of people. Yet, 38 per cent of commuters concede they have done this.
The common sight of bags placed on empty seats while people stand is deemed unacceptable by 66 per cent. Despite this, a hefty 41 per cent own up to often reserving a seat with their luggage.
Perhaps one of the most audible annoyances is listening to music or videos out loud without headphones, which 61 per cent of travellers find irritating. Nearly half (46 per cent) say they have done it, but 49 per cent think those who do should be fined between £11 and £20.
Additional Frustrations on the Rails
The survey also shed light on other behaviours that can make a train journey less pleasant. These include:
- Speaking loudly on the phone or having loud conversations.
- Eating hot or strong-smelling food.
- Passengers drinking alcohol, which annoys 46 per cent of commuters.
- Putting makeup on, deemed unacceptable by 23 per cent.
The research paints a clear picture of the delicate ecosystem of a train carriage, where consideration for others is paramount. With many admitting to the very habits they condemn, the findings highlight a gap between the standards passengers expect and the reality of daily commuter behaviour.
