Part of me thinks that people are just trying to create as much "open space" around them as possible (OT: comments about Swiss overcrowding and foreigners to blame etc etc).

The other day when I got back in to Luzern, I took the train back to Emmenbrücke rather than the bus.

I was the only guy on a bank of 4 seats when a small family with very obviously tired kids appeared. They were all ready for one of them to stand but I offered them my seat so that they could sit together.

I just went to the other side of the isle where an old couple were sitting. They were absoubtly furious that I sat down next to them invading their personal space.

Even though the weather is turning towards the naff end of the scale, I still much prefer to take the motorbike to Zürich every day than suffer the complete lack of manners and general common curtesy that appears to be a "feature" of Swiss train travel

Rich is such a poor word

We should think of it as:
"Arseholes who can now afford to justify the cost of being an arsehole"


......."Rich" is simply an abreviation.

I would have started moving the bags. But I guess the passive aggressive amongst us rely on us not taking action. What irritates me is the individualists being unable to comprehend public transport.

The NZZ article discussing this http://www.nzz.ch/nachrichten/politi....13259908.html states that one must now pay for a half-price ticket if one puts one's bag on an empty seat.

So a (half price) bag would have as much right to a seat as a (possibly full price) traveler?


If the object of the new rule were to make better use of the space, would it not make more sense to simply enforce a one-person, one-seat rule?

That's what I said (not the cerebal bit about individualists but the bag moving bit)! But as he pointed out, he was holding a falling asleep rather heavy 3 year old plus two back packs, so it was just too much hassle ... This is an extreme example - but it is certainly typical to have to endure tutting and scowling as the owner removes the bags. Rarely do I get a smile and a "its not a problem" type of response.

It's called communication, folks. Just ask a person if the seat is free and usually they will say yes, move their bags and you get your seat.

Now what if he says he's reserving it for someone? According to the new rules, this is no longer allowed. I have also reserved seats for people getting on the next stop.

Luckily, I don't ride the train enough to have this be an issue for me.

As a regular train user, it has gotten a bit out of hand with baggage, etc., but equally, if not more, in my opinion, the speading of the person into 2 or more seats.

Everyday at least 5 seats or more are not usable in the wagon due to a) feet or other body parts stretched into another seat, b) sleeping bodies slouched or spread across another seat, c) long legs reaching across so that only a small child could fit, d) very large people whose body size spreads wider than the individual seat.

Admittedly, for c) and d) there is probably little control over the situation unless they fine such big people, but it seems airlines do this. But a) and b) are equally if not more annoying than the bags in my opinion.

Furthermore, at least on the Geneva-Lausanne route, they make special announcements to warn passengers about pickpockers and keep your eye on things, yet it is also the major line to the Geneva airport, so not sure what they want. It would be impossible to keep an eye on your bags unless you sit on your luggage in the baggage area in the door area, thereby also hindering the entry/exit of the people as well.

Tut and scowl right back.

Which airlines fine people for having long legs? A link would be great because frankly I think you just made that up.

Do I get a partial rebate for short legs (and small feet)?

Apologies, it was referring to the later part of that phrase only, my bad sentence structure.

...so now I can put my dog on the seat next to me in first class (since I had to buy a ticket anyway) and be a rich arsehole, buying another seat for my shoes, and the one next to it for my bag, and have a whole cubicle to myself.

cool.

how much is a GA card for my coat? and will it always need to be the coat in the photo or can I substitute it, eg winter and summer coat? and where do I get my coat GA?

thanks

Yes, but the rebate vouchers will be placed on the highest luggage rack.

You're very weird. Why don't you just ask instead of sitting on people?! Then swearing at her! You're a menace to society. Buy a car.

Another train peeve: people who "pretend" to be asleep across both seats, with their head covered (I can't see you so I don't have to move) on busy early morning commuter trains.

- Rubbish!

I forgot to mention, before I sat on her I did pointedly look to see if the seat was reserved, she had plenty of time to behave correctly.

If the train is full up and people are looking for seats, then you don't put your legs across an unoccupied seat and try to keep the 2 seats for yourself. The same goes for bags on seats, I sit on them. Why should I have to ask politely for something I have paid for and they have not? If the passengers want to behave like robber barons I will continue to sit on them, and I weigh 190 Kg! Believe me they usually move very quickly to reclaim their luxury handbag or briefcase.

Funnily enough older people do not find the need to claim 2 seats for the price of one.

I think it's ridiculous to sit on someone without asking them to move first! Personally, I never put my feet up on the seat, but bags sure - until I see someone coming in my direction to sit down and then of course I move them. If I was daydreaming and someone just sat right on my bags (and I'm talking bags here.... not my legs...), as an otherwise peaceful and non-violent person, I'd seriously have to restrain myself from hurting them!

I just realised you put you're 190kg so something like this..? http://news.softpedia.com/newsImage/...nk-Food-2.jpg/

Sitting on people or their things would do some serious damage, for no reason!

So you would be very cross, just as my lady was, and you probably wouldn't do it again. And if everyone picked up their hand luggage, the SBB not have to bring in extra rules for arrogant travellers.

The lady was not day dreaming, she was pretending to read the newspaper while I was leaning over her to check the reservation slot.