Judge Rinder has publicly berated fellow passengers for displaying what he believes is a shocking lack of courtesy.
Robert Rinder, the 46-year-old legal eagle and TV personality, vented his disgust on after a recent trip from London to Plymouth took a turn for the worse.
His scathing commentary created quite the social media storm – fit for the disruption from that he endured. Typically a three-hour route, the journey morphed into a gruelling four-hour marathon.
But what truly infuriated Rinder wasn’t the the effects of the ; instead, it was the unsympathetic attitude of certain travellers aboard the crammed train.
His viral tweet lambasted the conditions: “Packed train from London to Plymouth due to storm disruption. Elderly people made to stand in the isles for the 4 hour journey.”
:
Packed train from London to Plymouth due to storm disruption. Elderly people made to stand in the isles for the 4 hour journey. I’m FAR from perfect but gave up my seat whilst other young & able passengers sit in total indifference. It’s sad & disappointing. Thank you mum for…
— Rob Rinder (@RobbieRinder)
Rinder remarked: “I’m FAR from perfect but gave up my seat whilst other young and able passengers sit in total indifference. It’s sad and disappointing. Thank you mum for teaching me some manners. They cost nothing and matter most.”
The post quickly became the talk amongst followers, amassing a plethora of responses. Some people branded this a “sign of the times” as they rallied behind Rinder.
One even urged train companies to announce when able-bodied passengers should offer their seats to those in need.
One concerned user urged: “When trains are very overcrowded, why isn’t there a human announcement that says, ‘We’re really sorry that the train is so crowded today, but if you are fit and able-bodied, please offer your seat to someone who is standing but is clearly less able.’ At [the very] least that way people might be encouraged to do something to help.”
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Another individual said: “Think it’s a sign of the times unfortunately. Having said that I live in a University City with a lot of foreign students. If there are no seats it’s usually the foreign students who make sure I’m seated.”
Yet, one comment highlighted the issue isn’t always clear-cut as “Not every (dis)ability, physical weakness or illness is visible. Don’t assume that young or able looking people aren’t struggling themselves.”
This sentiment was echoed by another, who added personal insight: “I have to get a train and underground a lot due to my specialists being in London. I have no mobility aids and appear abled bodied to most people. I sit down as I physically have to. Especially if I’ve been out for awhile.”
Meanwhile, a different view came from a user who suggested that the younger generation’s predilection for sitting shouldn’t come as a shock, noting sarcasm-laced empathy: “I must say though Rob, I’m mystified why the young, what with their student debts, the impossibility of owning a home, high rents, inability to travel as freely, , are upset at all with their seniors.”