Elderly passengers were forced to stand in the aisles of a packed train travelling from Oxford.
The incident occurred on Great Western Railway’s (GWR) 9.32am Oxford to London Paddington service on Thursday, May 30.
After reaching the seating capacity, customers were forced to stand in the aisles on the packed train for the journey.
Among those left without a seat was Daniel Tsokonn Emlyn-Jones of Divinity Road in East Oxford who was travelling to the capital for his birthday.
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“I bought my ticket in advance online and I didn't reserve a seat because I usually find one,” he explained.
“I sat down initially but stood when it became clear that elderly people were having to stand. I gave up my seat for one of them.
“Some young people gave up seats but many didn't as they were too absorbed in their phones to notice and the elderly people were stuck in the crowds crammed into the aisle.
“It made me angry that I had to stand but also that elderly people had to.
“People are regularly packed in like cattle and when I pay £33 I don't expect to have to stand and an elderly person certainly shouldn't expect this.”
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The 51-year-old was issued an apology by GWR but was left angered by the experience which ruined his birthday.
“They did apologise but they're forever apologising and making excuses,” added Mr Emlyn-Jones
“They should have enough seats for predicted numbers of passengers and everything is online so there's no excuse.
“I phoned GWR from the train and launched my complaint. They said sorry but I want change. Not more apologies and excuses.
“It has been ongoing as long as I can remember and I complain but no one does anything.
“They'll have us clinging to the sides next. This is inhumane and quite disgraceful.”
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After hearing the customer's story, the Oxford Mail contacted Great Western Railway for comment regarding the incident.
A spokesperson for GWR said: "We are really sorry if this service was busier than usual.
“We operate three trains an hour direct from Oxford to London Paddington at 9am, however, there will be times, such as during half term, when cheaper, off-peak trains are sought after.
"Those with seat reservations who were unable to sit are entitled to a refund and we encourage anyone in this situation to get in touch.
"We continue to work to review performance and capacity, and we will keep an eye on demand for these services."
Great Western Railway operate well over 30 trains a day from Oxford to London Paddington with three of these an hour from 9am to 10am.
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