A whole fish left on a train seat was one of the most “off the hook” pieces of feedback Queensland Rail’s Customer Journey Advisers (CJAs) reeled in last year.
After a customer informed Queensland Rail’s specialist social media team of the yellow tail bream left on board a Cleveland line service, it was promptly removed and the seat cleaned. Sadly, it had been out of water too long and was unable to be thrown back to sea.
Yoghurt tubs and eggshells were also among the “eggs-traordinary” rubbish left on a seat in 2024 – an unpleasant and messy discovery for a fellow passenger.
Bags and feet on the seats, music being played and loud talking also notched up some of the 773 bad train etiquette behaviours called out by Queensland Rail customers last year.
The rail operator is calling on customers to “scale” back their onboard dining habits to not at all, with eating on the train also featured in the top customer etiquette complaints.
Queensland Rail spokesperson Clare Hunter said: “The rail network was busy last year thanks to 50 cent fares and more than 50 million trips across South East Queensland (SEQ).
“The vast majority of our customers did the right thing every day by respecting their fellow passengers and displaying great train etiquette.
“Unfortunately, there were some who spoiled the journey for others with complaints about feet on the seats, noise, rubbish and priority seating.”
Hunter reminded passengers in Quiet Carriages to turn the volume down on devices, use headphones and keep conversations to a low volumes.
“We had lots of complaints about loud music and while we love a banger, there’s a time and place for music, and it’s not the train,” she said.
“Give up your seat to those who need it more, keep your bags and feet off seats and remember you’re only allowed to drink water on board.
“Eating on the train is against the rules and is disrespectful to your fellow passengers but leaving your rubbish behind – scales, shells or peels – is downright gross. Pick up after yourself.
“We’re appealing to our customers’ sense of decency – good train etiquette is key to ensuring everyone has a safe and pleasant journey on the rail network.”
Train etiquette bad behaviours called out by SEQ customers in 2024
| Noise in the Quiet Carriage |
94 |
| Incorrect bike use on trains | 81 |
| School children bad behaviour | 80 |
| Feet and bags on seats |
63 |
| Personal devices (played too loudly) | 63 |
| Priority seating | 23 |
| Consuming food and drink on board | 20 |
| Rubbish left on board | 9 |
Customers with feedback are encouraged to reach out to the Customer Journey Adviser team via the website, phone, email, social media, or approach onboard or station staff.
