And don't you hate it even more when they look the other way, or pretend to be asleep, when you need a seat?
Dutch rail operator NS is striking back at the baggage bandits, introducing new luggage rules prohibiting passengers from placing bags on seats, even when trains are largely empty, news hub Travel Mole reports.
Travellers could previously use an empty seat for hand luggage but were expected to move their belongings if another passenger needed the seat. But people behave badly.
Under the revised policy, bags must now be kept on passengers’ laps or stored in the train’s luggage racks at all times.
The rail operator said the initial focus will be on educating passengers rather than enforcement. Posters will be displayed across the network, and conductors will remind travellers of the new rules. No fines will be issued for violations. For now.
NS said the move is intended to tackle the growing problem of passengers occupying seats with luggage, particularly during busy commuting periods when available seating is limited.
The operator also noted that travellers are increasingly reluctant to ask others to move their bags, citing rising levels of aggression on public transport and in society more broadly.
Passenger advocacy group Rover welcomed the change, describing bags on seats as one of the most common complaints from rail users.
“It ranks among the top three frustrations for travellers,” Rover director Daan Zieren told Dutch broadcaster NOS.
He said passengers previously tended to remove their bags when trains became crowded, but that behaviour has become less common.
“Many people now pretend not to notice other passengers by looking out the window, while some simply refuse to move their bags,” he said.
The rail operator said the initial focus will be on educating passengers rather than enforcement. Posters will be displayed across the network, and conductors will remind travellers of the new rules. No fines will be issued for violations. For now.
NS said the move is intended to tackle the growing problem of passengers occupying seats with luggage, particularly during busy commuting periods when available seating is limited.
The operator also noted that travellers are increasingly reluctant to ask others to move their bags, citing rising levels of aggression on public transport and in society more broadly.
Passenger advocacy group Rover welcomed the change, describing bags on seats as one of the most common complaints from rail users.
“It ranks among the top three frustrations for travellers,” Rover director Daan Zieren told Dutch broadcaster NOS.
He said passengers previously tended to remove their bags when trains became crowded, but that behaviour has become less common.
“Many people now pretend not to notice other passengers by looking out the window, while some simply refuse to move their bags,” he said.
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