Irate passengers ‘stage protest’ and halt train until staff let them on after finding doors locked

Irate passengers reportedly staged a protest and halted a train at Manchester Piccadilly station after finding the carriage doors locked, preventing them from boarding. Among the passengers was wheelchair user Susan Hackett and her daughter, Lou Monrow, who had tickets for the 9.30pm service. In a video shared on TikTok, a man is seen with his foot on the train steps, engaging in a protest while other passengers try to convince staff to let them onboard.

Despite being informed that they had missed the train as the departure whistle had already sounded, the passengers continued to argue with staff. Lou Monrow described the station staff as ‘jobsworths’ and expressed support for the protest, emphasizing that they had arrived on time and should have been allowed to board. Eventually, the group was permitted to board the train after a delay of 15 minutes.

Lou Monrow, reflecting on the incident, expressed frustration at the situation, highlighting the lack of empathy shown towards her disabled mother during the confrontation. She criticized the staff’s handling of the situation, stating that the commotion could have been avoided. The incident sparked debate on social media, with differing opinions on whether the passengers were in the right.

Transport for Wales, the operator of the train, declined to comment on the incident, while a spokesperson for Network Rail apologised to the passengers for their experience, citing safety protocols as the reason for not permitting late boarding. The British Transport Police have been contacted for further comment on the matter.

In a statement, a Network Rail spokesperson reiterated the importance of adhering to departure schedules for the safety and efficiency of train services. They emphasized that doors typically close 45 seconds prior to departure to ensure punctuality. Despite the incident, safety remains a top priority for rail operators.

As the video gained traction online, Lou Monrow responded to criticism, urging people to consider the passengers’ perspective and emphasizing the passion behind their actions. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by passengers with disabilities and the importance of empathy and understanding in such situations.

In conclusion, the protest at Manchester Piccadilly station highlights the frustrations experienced by passengers when faced with rigid transport policies. The incident underscores the need for improved communication and flexibility in accommodating passengers, particularly those with disabilities. Lou Monrow’s experience sheds light on the importance of advocacy and standing up for one’s rights in the face of adversity.