This is a quick thread about the one behaviour that, over and over, has saved me on my rail trips

*** *** ***
Proactively finding the train manager before they find you
*** *** ***

If you *ever* have some sort of grey area or absence of clarity, do this. *Always* do this

Due to the total chaos trying to get to Bourgogne this morning, yesterday I made an error

It was not me, but my partner, who managed to secure literally the last ticket available on the TGV Paris-Montbard

So it is her name on the ticket, not mine

There was no way to change the name, and cancelling the ticket was too risky - because there was no guarantee I would then get the spot freed up

I have seen fines dished out on SNCF trains to people doing this in the past - but when the train manager found *them*

But I proactively went to find them, BEFORE THEY FOUND ME

I had all the documents on my laptop - the ticket, my reduction card, my partner's reduction card (both are the same, so the price she paid would have been the price I would have paid) and explained the situation

Strictly speaking, the train manager said, this is not allowed (and he is correct), but you came and found me and I accept your explanation

Now whether this should be the rule is itself questionable. Whether indeed a train should be compulsory reservation is also questionable (and despite it being "sold out" on ticket portals, there are a few seats - presumably no shows)

But to simply get yourself to your destination in situations where you're not strictly in the right, but there is a reason, speaking to the train manager before they find you ALWAYS HELPS

@jon Yes. Respecting the position of power they have, even just subconsciously, and proactively acting on that typically opens up a world of generosity. This is a general rule in my experience. Especially when you allow them to explain something you already know but you listen intently to their version :) People are good. Almost always.

@jwildeboer @jon
> Respecting the position of power they have,

how about not respecting someone having power over you whos able to legally steal from you over stupid shit

and i dont consider being at the mercy of someone else to be "good" or "generous" either.

@Li Do whatever you think is right and deal with the consequences. This thread was about avoiding a fine due to crazy regulations, not a call for revolution ;) @jon
@jwildeboer @Li Right. And ultimately whether you like the rules or not isn’t the central point here. It’s how to handle situations when you’re not quite in compliance.