Exeter train travellers found to be least tolerant of litterbugs in the UK
New research from a leading train company has found that littering on trains is the number one source of rail-rage amongst passengers in Exeter, but travellers would need to be overwhelmed by passengers’ smelly odours before acting on their annoyance.
The survey, conducted by train company CrossCountry, found that more than half of people in Exeter (57%) are most aggravated by passengers leaving their rubbish behind – making them the least tolerant of litterbugs in the UK.
Despite the fact that half of passengers (52%) in Exeter are annoyed by passengers talking loudly on their mobile phones, it is unlikely they will act on their frustration - it would take a smelly passenger to force them out of their seat - almost three quarters (74%) of people would move if the person sitting next to them smelt of cigarettes or strong body odour.
Music blaring through passengers’ headphones also rated highly on the bad habits barometer, with 35% of travellers listing the invasive beats as their top gripe. The results also showed that almost two thirds (59%) would be forced out of their seat if someone was kicking the back of their chair.
Tolerance levels are also tested when you add a child to the equation – almost half (46%) are annoyed when passengers allow their children to run through the carriage – highest in the UK – and only a quarter (26%) would be willing to give up their seat for passengers with children.
The most positive outcomes of the survey were the compassionate nature of passengers, with the majority willing to give up their seats for an elderly person (78%), a disabled passenger (74%) or pregnant lady (72%). More than two thirds (67%) are also kind enough to offer cash to a fellow passenger who was short of a few pence to buy a drink or snack on board.
With an estimated 1.4 billion journeys made by rail every year* it’s not surprising that people will encounter another passenger's annoying habits, however the survey found that passenger behaviour varies around the county.
Commenting on the findings, David Burton, Senior Conductor from CrossCountry who has been working on the railway for seven years said “It’s not surprising to see that the most common gripes amongst passengers are music blaring through headphones and people talking loudly on their mobiles; quite often passengers miss the announcements as they board the train because they are chatting away on the phone. Although I very rarely have a passenger complain to me about other people on board, I did once have to ask an older gentleman to tone down his singing on the train – the other passengers were giggling instead of getting grouchy though, and he was very polite when he realised how loud he was.”
CrossCountry run to 121 stations – covering more of Britain than any other train operator – and have a quiet coach for those that wish for that extra peace and quiet!
Taken from the Office of Rail Regulation, 2011-12: http://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/displayreport/report/html/17399f40-373e-4a20-bd21-f5b924ec8e63.
For further information on CrossCountry services visit crosscountrytrains.co.uk or follow them online via Twitter at @crosscountryuk, Facebook.com/crosscountrytrains and their student Facebook page, Facebook.com/studentraildeals.
