has anyone actually had a beggar step into their train carriage?

Question

you know the trains which says " if a beggar steps aboard please alert the train driver...blah..blah"

(blah..blah not included in passenger announcement)

if so, what happened?

kevan, i totally agree it feels wrong to say "beggar" and should be rephrased.

Answer 1

Yes, regularly between Waterloo, Richmond and Wimbledon.

Answer 2

Yes often and I have kicked them off the train when they can not produce a ticket or start begging on the train.
I have never heard this announcement and quite frankly am appalled by the idea of such an announcement. What is a beggar?? People have different ideas.
If the person has a valid travel ticket, unless they cause a specific By-Laws infringement they can not be asked to leave the train. Even then, if they refuse to alight the service, only the Police or Revenue Protection Officers have the power to remove the offender, yes the Crew may decide thats it the train does not move on until the Police arrive, in which case how many people are going to be late for the one person. It is a fine line.
On the other hand, if any passenger wishes to intervene, well.... A blind eye from the crew normally happens.

Answer 3

Yes, and it's very cringeworthy. I did once see a man give a beggar the remains of his sandwich from his packed lunch! Yuck.

Answer 4

If you ride the New York City subway, you willsee this at least several times a week.

Answer 5

In the days I commuted into London and had paid for my season ticket, I found it necessary to beg to make ends meet.

Answer 6

Beggar - yes. Announcement - no

Answer 7

Often on the Paris Metro, and you need to watch out as they are often accompanied by pick-pockets

Answer 8

No but had an out of tune busker for two stops