Getting a seat on The Tube or a train can be difficult on the best of days, never mind in rush hour. Yet many passengers follow the unwritten rule of giving up their seat to those in need – be that someone elderly, disabled or expecting a baby.
Most public transport also designates priority seats for those who fall into these groups. Despite these provisions, however, things don’t always go to plan. There isn’t anything wrong with people using the priority seats, as long as they are offered to somebody else if they’re needed.
This was evident recently when a commuter offered his seat to a pregnant woman on a London train, only to be left appalled by what unfolded next.
The Reddit user recalled how they had stood up for a pregnant woman who boarded the London Underground, only for a man to barge in and “steal” the vacant seat.
They said: “This morning [I] was heading into London on the Jubilee line from Stanmore. After a few stops I saw a pregnant woman get on and the people in the priority seats just ignored her so I offered her mine.
“As soon as I stood up a man pushed her away and took the seat I had just vacated. It was bad enough seeing people not give up priority seats but then to see that and he just sat there obstinately as I told him it was for a pregnant woman.”
Even more startling, the considerate commuter tracked down the man’s employer after spotting his branded work shirt. It emerged that he works for a firm that “makes products to help people with mobility and health issues”.
The Reddit post has attracted more than 600 comments, including responses from both the pregnant woman in question and her husband.
She wrote: “Firstly, to the kind man who offered your seat, thank you so much for doing the right thing and I think we were both gobsmacked by this other man’s behaviour.”
The expectant mother went on to elaborate further on the incident: “To clarify the situation, I got on the tube this morning and since I am 8 months pregnant I usually ask for a seat if someone isn’t offering it, since I know people can be in their own world or on their phones.
“However, this morning, I didn’t have to as this kind man stood up and then this other 2 meter tall, well built man pushed in front of me to grab the seat.
“I said ‘excuse me, I think this seat was meant for me’ and the kind man said the same thing. He just looked us both in the eye, didn’t say anything but remained seated.
“The kind man said ‘I can’t believe you just took a pregnant woman’s seat’ but nothing from him, he shortly after pretended to sleep, probably not to face the looks of the rest of the carriage.”
View 2 ImagesA commuter offered his train seat to a pregnant woman when travelling on the London Underground (stock photo)(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The woman revealed that fortunately, another fellow commuter offered her a priority seat, though she “didn’t want to kick up more of a fuss”. She also expressed concern over what the seat-stealing man might do next.
She finished her comment: “I would have understood if he also had a disability but he had clearly been capable to stand until that point, didn’t wear a badge or say anything in his defence.
“I think he was just lazy and rude. My main thought was: I wonder what his mum would have said if she saw his behaviour..”
Her husband also weighed in on the post, writing: “So this was my wife! Thank you for noticing as not many do.
“Thanks to the other person who stood up to give her a seat. To the guy that just ignored my wife you’re an a******!”.
Others expressed their outrage at the man’s conduct. One user remarked: “That’s absolutely ridiculous. I would have shamed him loudly in front of everyone.”
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Another stated: “The irony of working in health support and doing that… unreal. Hope karma catches him fast.”
A third wrote: “Contact his work company and shame him. Even if they do nothing, at least you’ve done what you can. What a t*****.”