Fat passengers were asked to stand up (Picture: Getty)

We’re used to hearing some fairly mundane announcements at train stations. But every now and then there will be one that makes us think ‘did I actually hear that?’.

That’s what happened on a train in Basingstoke, Hampshire, when a member of railway staff is alleged to have said: ‘We are going to be like sardines on this train, so can I ask that only slim people sit on the three seaters. If you are fat then it is simply not going to work.’

One commuter said: ‘I am not necessarily a big person, but most people are larger than those seats anyway.



‘It’s pretty disgusting. I would get fired if I said that at my work.’


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But, South West Trains said that the comment was meant in jest and most commuters took it in a light-hearted way.

A spokesman for the South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance said: ‘All passengers are welcome on board our trains. Our guard was aware this particular service was very busy and, in a light-hearted way, pointed out that some middle seat spaces might not be comfortable for passengers with a similar build to herself.

‘This was in no way intended as a slight on any customers and the majority of passengers on the train took the comments in the spirit in which they were intended. However, like ourselves, she is very sorry if any passengers were offended by her remarks.

‘We run some of the busiest trains in the country and we appreciate that space on some of our trains is limited. To provide extra space and seats for our customers, we are in the process of investing £250m in extra carriages and new trains.’