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Post by uzairjubilee on Nov 26, 2011 18:05:18 GMT
For the last three days I've been going to Waterloo to film a Class 158/159 departing the station. Only two trains depart per hour - at 20 past and 50 past. It's been 5 times now that I've been told that I am not allowed to take pictures and film trains on the platform. Today I was told I could take them from the concourse...  . Today was the most irritating one because I cycled all the way to the station just in time for the xx50 departure, asked a member of security for a platform ticket, who then said I wasn't allowed etc etc and directed me to the info desk. I asked the woman behind the desk very politely if platform tickets are issued, and she very bluntly replied 'No'. I would have replied to them saying that photography and filming (without flash) is allowed on platforms, but I knew that it would have meant I missed the train leaving. I never even take pictures, I just film. On Twitter I composed a few tweets mentioning National Rail Enquiries and SWT explaining the situation. What should I do? |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 26, 2011 18:10:35 GMT
Dont let them boss you around, you are doing no wrong. Maybe to deter the idiots from making stupid things up, print out the 'Enthusiast Guidelines' from the National Rail website. (I would give you a link but I am posting from my mobile)
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Post by norbitonflyer on Nov 26, 2011 18:34:00 GMT
If they won't / can't issue platform tickets, you could buy a ticket to Vauxhall, (or touch in with Oyster). The Exeter line trains don't call at anywhere served by Oyster (well, they do, but only to pick up), but you can switch platforms once through the barrier: indeed as a lot of Exeters leave from platform 6, across from platform 5 which is used by suburban services, they can hardly object to you being there!
Also complain to SWT customer services, specifically asking why their staff are ignoring NR guidelines.
The next "Meet the Manager" Session at Waterloo is on Dec 16th - you could raise the matter there.
Can't see the fascination in 158s myself, but "chacun a son gout"
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Post by uzairjubilee on Nov 26, 2011 18:39:26 GMT
If they won't / can't issue platform tickets, you could buy a ticket to Vauxhall, (or touch in with Oyster). The Exeter line trains don't call at anywhere served by Oyster (well, they do, but only to pick up), but you can switch platforms once through the barrier: indeed as a lot of Exeters leave from platform 6, across from platform 5 which is used by suburban services, they can hardly object to you being there! Also complain to SWT customer services, specifically asking why their staff are ignoring NR guidelines. The next "Meet the Manager" Session at Waterloo is on Dec 16th - you could raise the matter there. Can't see the fascination in 158s myself, but "chacun a son gout"I will go to the meeting. The problem with buying a return ticket to Vauxhall is that I often cycle there, and don't want to leave my bike outside the station locked up for too long, especially because of how dark it gets at around 4pm. |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 26, 2011 19:00:04 GMT
The same thing happened to a colleague of mine at Reading station recently. After he complained and some Facebook comments first sent an apology and accepted that their staff were not acted in accordance with National Rail Guidelines.
We are winning the battle against these jobsworths.
XF
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Post by Deleted on Nov 26, 2011 19:19:44 GMT
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Post by norbitonflyer on Nov 26, 2011 20:34:16 GMT
a lot of Exeters leave from platform 6, I often cycle there, and don't want to leave my bike outside the station locked up for too long, especially because of how dark it gets at around 4pm. Isn't the cycle rack on platform 6 still there? Can't you use that? (gives you a reason to be on the platform too!) (There is also a big double deck one on the cab road opposite the customer service area) |
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Post by uzairjubilee on Nov 27, 2011 10:55:58 GMT
Next time I'll take a copy of the SWT, Network Rail, BTP and National Rail rules on train enthusiasts, and time it all differently.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 27, 2011 12:10:42 GMT
Good luck Uzair. I once got told that my presence on a footbridge with a camera at West Byfleet was a distraction to Train Drivers. When I politely told him that I was a Train Driver and he was incorrect he got the hump and started swearing at me. He who swears has already lost the arguement! Keep at them and, again, good luck.
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Post by Chris W on Nov 27, 2011 18:30:42 GMT
My suggestion... as always... is speak to the Station Supervisor first... at Waterloo the office is just outside adjacent to the taxi rank; or is was last time I did some photography there a few years back. Listening to the same uneducation speel (and having already signed in with the supervisor), I was able to inform the station staff who their on-duty supervisor was that day and invited them to contact the supervisor office for confirmation... that soon had them in reverse gear... However please note that nomatter how rude or unnecessary officious station staff are... and I've had some incidents in my time... always be polite... and always carry the necessary printout(s) that explain the rules in black and white. At the end of the day ensure that you are in the right... and let unprofessional and ignorant individuals to compromise themselves... so please make a note of their name and what they have stated!  All railway staff can choose to be a hero (support and welcome you) or a zero (act officiously, unprofessionally and remain ignorant of their own rules). Its a huge shame that some railway operators still fail to comprehend that railway enthusiasts are generally supportive of railways and should therefore be encouraged. There are of course some characters who bring shame on all enthusaists by using flash or behave inappropriately and there are criminals who damage railway property (e.g. graffiti) or steal (metal/copper wiring). Railway staff should still ensure that no-one uses flash, trespasses or endangers themselves or others... and be aware that a quiet, polite word never hurt anyone. A friendly conversation that simply confirms that the photographer/spotter is aware of the genuine rules, can only enhance the trust between railway professionals and enthusiasts. Any member of staff that attempts to fob an enthusiast off with lies or disinformation, merely demonstrates how unsuited they are are to their role on the railway and how small and insignificant they really are! |
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. Today was the most irritating one because I cycled all the way to the station just in time for the xx50 departure, asked a member of security for a platform ticket, who then said I wasn't allowed etc etc and directed me to the info desk. I asked the woman behind the desk very politely if platform tickets are issued, and she very bluntly replied 'No'. 
