UK Network Rail told staff to stop using the word “passengers” Use Gender-neutral language

[Social Media]

 

Network Rail has instructed its staff to phase out the use of the word "passengers" in favor of the more direct and neutral term "you." This shift is part of a broader initiative to make language used in public announcements and communications more relatable, informal, and inclusive. 

 

A small example of the Cancelled phrases:

 

 

The organization, responsible for maintaining Britain's railway infrastructure, has issued new guidelines urging employees to use everyday language to enhance clarity and reduce frustration among customers affected by train delays and cancellations. The document advises against using words like "purchase," "obtain," and "rest assured," recommending simpler alternatives to improve engagement.

 

The changes extend beyond terminology relating to train travel. Gender-neutral language is emphasized, with "pregnant people" replacing "pregnant women" and "parent" being used instead of "mother" or "father." Similarly, words with gendered connotations, such as "workmanship" and "mankind," are to be replaced with "quality of work" and "humankind," respectively. Traditional greetings like "ladies and gentlemen" are now replaced with "friends and colleagues" to foster inclusivity.

 

The new approach is detailed in a 134-page document titled "Speaking Passenger," which, despite its name, actively discourages the use of the word "passenger." Network Rail’s chief executive, Andrew Haines, explains the motivation behind these changes, stating: "To put passengers first, we have to speak their language. That goes for all of us. Whoever we’re talking to, whatever the situation."

 

With approximately 370,000 train services canceled or partially canceled in 2024—equivalent to one every 90 seconds—communicating effectively with the public has become a critical issue. The guidance encourages staff to empathize with those waiting for delayed trains, acknowledging the frustration of standing in the cold after a long day, watching cancellation after cancellation.

 

The document contrasts a formal announcement—"All services are currently cancelled due to recent storm events. We would like to apologise for the inconvenience this may cause to your journey."—with a more conversational alternative: "I’m really sorry everyone but we’ve had to cancel all the trains this evening. A tree’s fallen across the tracks just outside the station and it’s going to take a few hours to clear." The aim is to make messages sound warmer and more human, with the belief that a more natural tone will reduce the frustration experienced by those affected.

 

Network Rail emphasizes that these guidelines are not about adopting a corporate branding style similar to companies like Virgin or Innocent but rather about sounding approachable and friendly. Staff are encouraged to refer to people by age-neutral terms such as "younger people" or "older people" rather than "senior citizens" and to use "first name" instead of "Christian name" to avoid assumptions about religious beliefs.

 

The guidance also touches on seasonal greetings, advising staff not to assume all customers celebrate Christmas. Instead of saying, "Merry Christmas everyone," they are encouraged to say, "Merry Christmas to those who are celebrating" or opt for neutral alternatives like "Season’s greetings" or "Happy holidays."

 

Under a section titled "writing inclusively," the document highlights Network Rail’s obligation, as a Department for Transport-owned entity, to "eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between different people." Employees are warned that failing to use inclusive language can reinforce biases and stereotypes, potentially leading to a work environment that is "humiliating, unpleasant, and alienating." It also cautions that exclusionary language could marginalize significant portions of their audience.

 

A Network Rail spokesperson reaffirmed the rationale behind these changes, stating: "Passengers are at the heart of our tone-of-voice guidelines, which have been in place for several years and are common practice in customer-facing organisations."

 

Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2025-02-04

 

 

[Tailwagsdog]

Trump for PM

[thesetat]

Out of all they show in the OP. Only one affects any woke gender. Seems like their PM needs to quit trying to appease the woke people and begin worrying more about what is happening in the country because of the woke people. I feel sorry for those who come from there. What an embarrassment it must be to have to change your words to appear neutral to a mental illness. Hmm...

[Geoffggi]

What an absolute L.O.B .................LOL

[digger70]

UK Network Rail told staff to stop using the word “passengers” Use Gender-neutral language

 

They are nuts  Gender -Neutral hey.

Only Women can get Pregnant Why say Pregnant Person.

Call a spade a Spade ,A boy Friend is a Boy/Man.   A girl Friend is a Girl/Women. 

Why try to Change /Fix something if it's Not Broke .🤮

 

[loong]

3 hours ago, Social Media said:

Network Rail’s chief executive, Andrew Haines, explains the motivation behind these changes, stating: "To put passengers first, we have to speak their language. That goes for all of us. Whoever we’re talking to, whatever the situation."

 

Not sure if that is ironic or not, him using the word 'passengers' in his statement.

 

The whole thing is a pathetic waste of time and energy!

[dinsdale]

I think they need to change train and tunnel.

[Theforgotten1]

Should worry about getting the trains on time and the cost of tickets , but that’s last on the list . These people want strong women and weak men , idiots , these must of been the men that got picked on at school 

[loong]

11 minutes ago, digger70 said:

Why try to Change /Fix something if it's Not Broke .🤮

 

They don't care whether it is broke, only if it is woke!

[loong]

2 minutes ago, dinsdale said:

I think they need to change train and tunnel.

 

Very clever 🙂

[Ben Zioner]

More wonking. It seems the be wonkers day, first the Scottish cats and now this... 

[Classic Ray]

So instead of saying normal service will be resumed, they have to say neurotypical service? Not very clear.

[lamecn]

What do they call a spade?

[Ben Zioner]

How do you say "penetrating stare" in Woke. When I was 25 most girls in te office liked mine.

[portisaacozzy]

52 minutes ago, digger70 said:

UK Network Rail told staff to stop using the word “passengers” Use Gender-neutral language

 

They are nuts  Gender -Neutral hey.

Only Women can get Pregnant Why say Pregnant Person.

Call a spade a Spade ,A boy Friend is a Boy/Man.   A girl Friend is a Girl/Women. 

Why try to Change /Fix something if it's Not Broke .🤮

 

Woops !, call a spade a spade,i think not !!!

[Denim]

So in the end 1984 was just a bit delayed. Still, well done Orwell , you saw it all coming.

[JonnyF]

1 hour ago, digger70 said:

Why try to Change /Fix something if it's Not Broke

 

They have to appear to be "progressive".

 

They think it makes them appear intelligent to propose new and better ways of doing things, even if the original way was far superior. 

 

That's why we end up with big fat bearded hairy blokes being asked if they are pregnant when they turn up at A&E with a broken hand after a day on the building site.  

 

All to appease the 1% of the 1%. 

 

Meanwhile, the world laughs at the UK and their inane government. 

[Grumpy one]

1 hour ago, lamecn said:

What do they call a spade?

A dirt lifting apparatus