Look how this @CrossCountryUK catering staff just created extra work for himself. Caught in terrible traffic,ran like mad through the station, ticket barriers & just managed to get on the train. Thanks to my hosts, I’m in first class. I find my seat & hot,stand & remove my coat
I don’t want to sit yet, want to regain composure so I’m still standing in the aisle when young man pushes catering trolley out. I step aside so he can pass, but he pauses in front of me, frowns & asks for my ticket. I’ve done this trip often, catering staff don’t check tickets..
Usually they just serve refreshments to newly boarded passengers in 1st class & check if passengers already there want anything more. Later in journey, different member of staff will usually come through checking tickets. So when young man asks for ticket, I smile. I show him....
He examines it carefully & then almost as if disappointed, hands it back & pushes his trolley forward. “Just a moment”, I say. “Are you going to check the tickets of everyone in this carriage?” Staring straight at him. “Er, yes” he stammers. I shrug & take my seat...
As he pushes trolley forward, he looks back & sees me, eyes laser sharp focused on him. So he asks suited businessman in next seat for his ticket. The man is puzzled but hands it over. Then he serves the man tea. Moving on to next seat, he’s about to offer refreshment when I...
...say, “Excuse me, you haven’t offered me anything...” He glows bright red. “I’m sorry sir, what would you like. I ask for a Coke & he nearly falls over himself giving me 3 cans, “because they are quite small sir”. “One is enough,” I say...
As he moves on to next passenger, he offers them refreshments, believing I am concentrating on my Coke. But when he glances back, my head is poking into the aisle carefully observing him. So he asks that passenger for his ticket before pouring his tea....
Young man has not seen anything. He wants to be ticket inspector abi? His catering work is not enough to occupy him, eh? He will inspect ticket at every single destination until I get off this train. Nonsense & ingredients
And to those asking online & offline why no formal complaint, it’s because I’ve seen that movie. Been in it. I complain. Company responds saying they’ll investigate. Weeks pass & then: “we were unable to find evidence...we take diversity & inclusion very seriously etc etc...”
Seen it with @metpoliceuk. & with @MayorofLondon & @TfL on cabbies. If I called him racist, his friends would emerge swearing not a racist bone in his body. Heck, his girlfriend may be black. So I didn’t accuse him, just tried to ensure he provided service in the way he chose to
