Train guard turfs out fare dodgers - hurrah!
I got a different train home tonight because the next Caterham train was 15 minutes away and there was a fast to East Croydon at 17:30 - the East Grinstead service. And I really do mean different. It is one of the new trains that replaced the old slam door trains and they are very comfy inside. Mind you I had to stand as all the seats were taken. I happened to board in the centre of the train where the first class compartment was. Just before we left a young man jumped on and made his way into the first class compartment, where there were seats and sat down. Now I was brought up not top cheat etc. and I don't much care for the likes of those sitting in first class without the proper tickets or the means or willingness to pay for the extra comfort. I'm not casting aspersions but he did not look the type who would spend money on first class accommodation. However a small matter was about to arise that would send a message of hope about our society.
Suddenly this young burst out of the compartment and looked for somewhere to stand. I looked round and the train guard was asking for everyone's ticket. All but one passenger was then unceremoniously turfed out for not having the correct ticket - one man complaining bitterly about how the seats were not being used. Naturally they crowded into the area where I was trying to stand much to my annoyance but then the best bit happened. The guard approached the man in the first class compartment and asked him if he minded other passengers using the vacant seats. The generous first class passenger agreed and the guard came to the division door and asked if any of the passengers standing would care for a seat - but he made it very plain that the offer was not open to those who he had just ejected from first class for not having the correct tickets! Justice!!! Several of the ladies who were standing took up the offer of a comfy journey home.
Well done that guard!