Polite Londoners

I've been 'tubing' it quite a bit in London recently and have been very lucky to be offered a seat when its been crowded. I'm always very grateful and accept with thanks.

I'm not so fortunate on the mainline suburban train. There its every man / woman for him / herself. I hate having to balance my way into the middle of a 3 seater seat too. It's bad enough getting into it but its worse trying to get out when your legs aren't the strongest in the world and there's nothing to hold on to!

We had a few days in London 2012 while the Olympics were on and without fail people were so happy and friendly to help, we ate in a restaurant , busy but again not over pricey and helpful with advice of where to go and what to see.

Haven't been since.

I could probably count on the fingers of one hand the number of times I`ve visited London, unfortunately. The first time, we were lost, asked a few English folk how to get to where we wanted to be, they either didn`t know, or sent us the wrong way. Then we asked an Indian couple, and we were there in a few minutes!

I have not travelled across London for some years but in my younger days did it frequently with my mother/parents to visit relatives - people always were helpful and pleasant but also as children we were taught to be helpful and respectful back. We would always have to give up our seat for any adult and when small enough we sat on one of our parent's lap - once bigger we stood. Bus conductors were also great - always helpful - especially to mothers with pushchairs!!

Yes, mostly Londoners are polite and I'm always offered a seat. However, for those who are infrequent travellers a few hints.

You need to position yourself away from the doors and as close to the middle of the row of seats as possible.

A brief eye contact is very effective.

If all else fails smile sweetly at the best looking young man and ask him if he would kindly let you have his seat as you're very tired and unused to London travel.

(I think we're all too old to wear a 'Baby on board' badge).

And ALWAYS express your thanks with a big smile.

True story. Travelling with my mum on a bus, some time ago, a young boy, about 10 years was ordered to offer his seat to my mum. No, he replied quite positively. His mum threatened she was going to tell daddy about his rudeness. "And if you do, I'll tell him you did a wee in the bucket'!!!!

Soutra I quite agree with you. I have seen some young men look mortified when they have given up their seat and the offer has been rudely declined.

My tube travelling days are over because I cannot climb the stairs to get on one as I do not live in a step free access area. I have frequently been offered a seat and the only time I did not take up the offer was when I was travelling one or two stops but I was very effusive with my thanks and also I explained why I did not want the seat.

It does irritate me to see a young child taking up a seat when there are adults standing.

I don't go to London often and find the Tube claustrophobic. However, the politeness of the travellers contrasts favourably with the way Parisians cling to their seats on the Metro.

Only time I've been offered a seat on the London Underground, it was by a young woman - and she sounded American! The men never offer.

Sorry to be negative.

Some (IMO silly) people reject offers of help or seats on the Underground etc as they think they are being patronised for being "older". Huh! I accept any such offers both graciously and gratefully thus making both of us feel better. I have nothing to prove and no point to make!

Many many years ago I was lugging a massive case from Bank station to Paddington. A bowler hatted (shows you how long ago it was) grabbed my case and took it, and me, all the way to Paddington and then just disappeared. He didn't speak for the whole trip but I have never forgotten his kindness.

I agree with you vegas. I've often been offered assistance when lugging suitcases around but the best example of polite Londoners happened a couple of years ago on a visit with my GD's. We boarded a busy, but not crowded, tube and a young man gave up his seat simply so that we could sit together. Very thoughtful!
At home I use public transport a lot and am aware that most passengers thank the driver as they leave the bus. I really don't think this happened years back so it's lovely to see an improvement in manners.

Thanks for the first Positive Post of the Day vegas - great to hear, and no, you certainly don't look decrepit