A widely shared social media post about an encounter at Stone railway station on Sunday evening has prompted both British Transport Police and Staffordshire Police to respond, after a parent raised concerns about a taxi offered to their daughter during a delayed rail service.
The young woman had arrived at the station shortly after 5 pm on Sunday 30 November to catch a Stafford bound train. The station display showed that the service was delayed. While she waited, she was approached and told her that a replacement taxi was operating instead. Her parent later said the vehicle did not appear to carry markings usually associated with official replacement transport.
We’ve spoken exclusively to the driver of the rail replacement bus service – Driver explains what happened during Stone station replacement service after social media concern
Unsure what to do, the woman phoned her parent, who stayed on the line and booked a separate taxi to collect her from the station. Once she reached Stafford, the parent said she spoke to a platform attendant who explained that although he did not know whether a replacement service had been running from Stone, genuine rail replacement vehicles are usually well labelled and signposted, with clear identification in the windscreen.
The parent posted about the experience online after struggling to reach police on 101. They said the phone rang for over 55 minutes, without answer and that the uncertainty on the night had left them worried for their daughter’s safety. The post was shared widely by social media users.
After we followed up with the British Transport Police, they told us that officers looked into what happened after becoming aware of the online post.
They said,
“We’re aware of a social media post about a woman who was approached on the platform at Stone railway station on the night of Sunday 30 November.
“She was concerned about advice she was given about a rail replacement service and the legitimacy of a taxi service she was offered.
“Officers take such concerns seriously and have established that a rail replacement service was in place and have no concerns around the taxi.
They have spoken to the woman and no offences have been disclosed.”
Following the update from officers, the parent said they welcomed the clarification but still felt unsure about parts of what happened. The parent said they had been told the driver was working for a particular firm, though their own online searches appeared to show another name linked to the registration they noted.
The parent added that the situation may have come down to a misunderstanding but said it highlighted how easily uncertainty can arise when platforms are quiet, information is unclear and replacement vehicles are not visibly identified. They felt that clearer signage and additional safety measures at Stone station would help travellers.
As the post gained traction, Staffordshire Police replied publicly to acknowledge the parent’s experience with the 101 line. They wrote,
“We’re sorry to hear about the delay you experienced when calling 101 last night and understand how frustrating that can be.” The force encouraged the parent to submit the report through their online form instead, noting it is available around the clock and can be quicker than waiting on the phone.
Stone is often subject to rail replacement services, sometimes involving taxis when disruption occurs at short notice. British Transport Police have confirmed that there are no wider safety concerns linked to this incident.
Stone station is routinely monitored by CCTV, a standard measure across the rail network intended to support passenger safety and assist with any enquiries when incidents are reported.
Passengers who feel unsure or uncomfortable while travelling can contact British Transport Police by calling 0800 40 50 40 or texting 61016.
In an emergency, callers should use 999. Textphone users can contact 18000, and British Sign Language users can access the video relay reporting service.
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2 comments
Anonymous
06:52 train to crewe on Thursday was cancelled
I was a lone female at Stone station at the time
I used the enquiry digital information screen and asked advice on best plan of action in view of cancellation
I was told a rail replacement service was available from Crown Street bus stop
I walked there with my luggage and arrived before the time told it was due
No rail replacement anything came!!!
I would personally NEVER get into an unlicensed / unmarked taxi of any kind! and would advise others not too.
I caught the D&G 100 bus to Stoke station and had to catch the later train to my destination
Clair Ruskin -Brown
Brilliant article well balanced accurate and informative thank you