The transport minister complained on Twitter about the crappy trains and got entirely the responses he deserved
Transport Minister George Freeman was really hacked off that his train was late so he missed the connection with the next train because it didn’t wait for him.
So he did what self-respecting MP does in 2019. He went on Twitter to complain about it.
So. Not good @greateranglia. You knew the connecting train was late. Your guard could see us running. As 5 of us passengers sprinted to catch the 9.09, the guard watched us running, closed the doors, waved off the train, leaving us stranded for an hour, then smirked & ignored us. pic.twitter.com/ppRtbBRmY2
— George Freeman MP (@GeorgeFreemanMP) August 6, 2019
Which prompted a mostly civilised exchange with the people who run the train service. Well, it was civilised from their end of things, at least.
Sorry to hear that George, however we cannot hold services for other operator late trains in most cases. RH
— Greater Anglia (@greateranglia) August 6, 2019
Not even for 15 seconds when passengers from a connection are AT THE DOOR?!
— George Freeman MP (@GeorgeFreemanMP) August 6, 2019
Apologies, there should have been some discretion from the guard if that was the case but generally by rule we are not allowed to hold unless instructed otherwise. RH
— Greater Anglia (@greateranglia) August 6, 2019
Seems an entirely reasonable response, but Freeman wasn’t leaving it (or his CAPS LOCK) there.
I understand you can’t make trains run late – but there must be some discretion in situations like this when it’s 15 seconds for your CUSTOMERS (who have bought a ticket from you). If not ….. why have guards?
— George Freeman MP (@GeorgeFreemanMP) August 6, 2019
But what made the whole thing worthwhile was the responses the Transport Minister prompted. To be filed under ‘exactly what he deserved’.
They probably saw you a Tory MP and wondered how they could give you a taste of the disruption that your disastrous party is imposing on everyone else.
— Simeon Jackson (@Aristocrates) August 6, 2019
Trains run to a schedule and signs generally tell you the doors close a few seconds early to avoid further delays. We've all missed trains and most of us then have to buy a more expensive ticket because nonflex advance fares are the only way we can afford to travel. Suck it up.
— @MikeMetal (@MikeMetal) August 6, 2019
He probably recognized you, George.
— Peter Thurlow (@PeterThurlow) August 6, 2019
Aw, what a shame.
If only the UK had a fully integrated, nationalised public transport network then maybe commuters wouldn't be forced to deal with circumstances like this…#JustSaying
— El Toupée (#Hell2Pay) (@El_Toupee) August 6, 2019
Top man! Since your party cares very little for disabled passengers and wanted to remove guards (saved by @Abellio_UK ) I support the guard's actions. Yours a disabled passenger using GTR. @AnnieBtransport
— James S Welling (@SpeedySticks007) August 6, 2019
George wants trains to run on time. George also wants preferential treatment from train companies when it suits him. Good look, Mr MP
— Damian (@Daaemo) August 6, 2019
Only last week I saw guard from @merseyrail do exactly the opposite. Noticed couple of older ladies lumber to platform just as doors closed. He politely let them access the train through his Guard door. Once safely aboard he rang to bell for the driver. Courteous and civilised.
— Davy Lane (@LosCharruas) August 6, 2019
Brilliant. Well done @merseyrail 👍👏🙌. That’s customer service.
(@greateranglia – perhaps you could send your guards for training w @merseyrail?)— George Freeman MP (@GeorgeFreemanMP) August 6, 2019
That’s probably coz there’s no Tories in Liverpool so the guards are happy to be nice to passengers
— Paul M (@HowlingPaolo) August 6, 2019
And it also prompted this response from someone claiming to be the guard on the train, @uncoolfellazone.
‘That guard was me, pal! i recognized you and thought i’d ruin your day cuz you’re a rotten tory bastard.’
To conclude …
lmao owned
— traumaturgies (@traumaturgies) August 6, 2019
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This spoof customer care account brilliantly trolls people who complain on Twitter
