TfL tube worker, Ian,  says an elderly passenger should be “slung under a train”

Another great example of how one man, one video recorder, and one internet connection can cause one huge problem. We keep saying it, but companies HAVE to monitor online conversations about themselves and react incredibly quickly, otherwise they might find themselves faced with a massive consumer backlash.

Take a look at the graph above. It depicts the amount of chatter about Transport for London (TfL) on Twitter, in the last 24 hours. Not much going on for the most part, and then suddenly, at around 8am this morning, something kicks off…

Yesterday, a humble blogger, Jonathan MacDonald, caught a shocking altercation between a TfL staff member and an elderly man on camera and blogged about it, later that evening.

12 hours later… the blog has over 100 comments, ‘TfL’ becomes a trending topic on Twitter, and the media have already caught wind of the story. It’s not even lunch time.

No word from TfL, and at the moment, it seems that ‘Ian’ (the TfL employee who wanted an elderly passenger to be ’slung under a train’)  still has his job.

In my opinion, TfL MUST react now. I’m  not necessarily saying that Ian has to be sacked right this second; I’m sure there is a certain protocol that must be followed. But, they should make a statement, or publicly apologise to the elderly man who was abused by Ian.

I’m sure crisis talks are currently being held, hence the silence,  but their silence is being construed by the public as apathy. And apathy doesn’t win hearts and minds.

As I was writing the post, The Mayor of London did actually respond with:

@MayorOfLondon “Appalled by the video. Have asked TfL to investigate urgently. Abuse by passengers or staff is never acceptable.”

This tweet by the MoL is getting re-tweeted by a number of Londoners, who do seem slightly appeased by this response. More of this please!  Anyway, this story is very much live and kicking, so let’s see what happens.  I’ll just leave you with some of the latest “tweets” on this topic. For more, go to Twitter search, and type in “TFL or #TFL”. We’ll keep you updated… latest news is that the masses have found Ian’s Facebook page. Uh oh.

jimmynutmeg TfL guy wants passenger slung under a train. Pretty clear cut gross misconduct. Hope you get sacked Ian! http://tinyurl.com/yfpfy5a

uponnothing RT @richpayne88: Urge people to submit a complaint on the TFL website. I did. Under distinguishing features, ‘obnoxious personailty’

micksterling http://bit.ly/1RFNNx – finally evidence that #tfl staff are indeed the rudest in the world!! I hope this guy does indeed get sacked…

tomazstolfa Fascinating how Londoners are spreading the word about this TFL staff incident – http://bit.ly/V8Pju >> http://bit.ly/42afVJ

adaminlondon RT @DJ_Alexander: Be careful when using the London Underground; there’s a risk of being slung under a train by #tfl http://bit.ly/3l3Nn3

macfras It’ll be interesting to see what happens to the Tfl worker. I don’t especially want him sacked but at least needs a severe warning.

CaptainJCook I really hope TFL do something about this.No matter what the guy did(or not) b4 the vid started, there is no excuse to treat people that way

andybeeching @steveworkman, @nortools Looks like the mayor is onto that TFL video: http://tinyurl.com/yhzlds6

BrotherMagneto This appears to be #tfl Ian’s FB page, and he’s – a JEDI!! (Linked to Facebook page, which we aren’t going to do!)

alexparish Loving TFL Ian’s Facebook profile “I’m often mistaken for unfriendly because i tend to be quiet..” hmm http://bit.ly/2LtmVK

kuatofkuat Ian from TFL has a Facebook profile, and it’s fully open to anyone in the London network… that’s all I’m saying!

Spol How many people can we get to poke Ian on Facebook #tfl

Voneron @SteveJP LOL “About me: Easy going guy, happy in most circles.” Err, really?? tfl