“Passengers Friends”

Discussing an innovation recently adopted by one of the big group railways in Britain, designed to assist the railway passenger, our special London Correspondent writes:—

On the L.M. and S. Railway the need for extending a helping hand to travellers at busy stations has led to the creation of two new grades of officials, known respectively as “railway commissionaires” and “passengers’ friends.” The railway commissionaires have been posted at the entrance to the principal stations to assist travellers in every way possible with information and advice, and to see that their luggage is promptly handled by the porters. They wear a suitable uniform, and perform much the same duties at the station as a hall-porter in a big hotel. The “passengers’ friend,” one of whom patrols the platforms at all important stations, is not in uniform, but instead wears a distinctive badge, bearing the word “Enquiry.” His duties are to help passengers with information and advice and generally to create a feeling of friendship between the railway and its patrons.