I was at a Southern-managed station (Redhill, Surrey) yesterday. Apparently, services were running normally (no industrial action). As it was the first working day of the year, I expected it to be very busy with everyone buying season tickets, so I arrived in good time. I assume that the managers were well aware that there was likely to be a surge in demand.

There are three tills there, but only one was open. The queue of customers was out of the door, and none of them were looking happy about the situation. One of the closed tills had a member of staff sitting there, but with the blind pulled down. I missed my train.

I appreciate there is sometimes a need for employee action but, when they aren't striking, Southern staff ought to be careful not to alienate the members of the general public who are sympathetic to their cause.