ON THE television news recently, there was a report about how overcrowded our trains are. Some people were sitting on the floor of the carriages and many were standing, packed in like sardines.

Should there be a sudden jolt, many would be crushed, sustaining severe injury or possible death.

One thing I noticed was the number of men of all ages who had seats – while among those standing were women.

How times have changed. Whatever happened to the age of chivalry?

I was brought up to give up my seat to a lady or elderly person of either sex.

Last year I had to catch a bus from Kidlington to Oxford. With the many bus stops in Kidlington alone, the bus was soon crowded.

I had already given up my seat to a young lady, who, may I add, seemed very surprised that I did.

I was standing at the rear, and standing facing me was a lady of similar age.

Either side of her, sitting in those seats which face the rear, were four men. I was annoyed by this and said to her out loud: “I don’t know how they can sit there when there is a lady standing.”

One of them looked at me, but after a couple of minutes gave up his seat to her and pushed his way further down the bus.

What I had said must have shamed him, but it should not have been necessary.

Getting back to the trains, the operators should ensure that there are seats for everyone travelling – especially when the cost of travel is so extortionate.

With the trains being so overcrowded, dozens would be killed or severely injured, should there be an accident.

The minister for transport should force train operators to sort this problem.

MICHAEL CLARKE Old Marston Oxford