Commuter offers pregnant woman tube seat and is horrified by what happens next

A commuter offered his seat to a pregnant woman on the London Underground’s Jubilee Line, but it didn’t go as expected

During rush hour, there’s frequently a scramble for seats on crowded trains, particularly during peak times. Nonetheless, most passengers observe the unwritten rule of offering their seat to those in greater need – be it elderly passengers, individuals with disabilities or expectant mothers wearing a “baby in board” badge.

Many public transport services also designate priority seating for these groups. Yet despite such measures, situations occasionally arise where courtesy fails.

This became strikingly apparent for one commuter, when they offered their seat to a pregnant woman on a London train, only to witness a shocking turn of events.

The Reddit user recounted how he’d stood up for an expectant mother boarding the London Underground, only to watch another man intervene and “steal” the vacated seat.

They said: “This morning [I] was heading into London on the Jubilee line from Stanmore. After a few stops I saw a pregnant woman get on and the people in the priority seats just ignored her so I offered her mine.

Commuter backlash after man steals London Underground seat from pregnant woman

“As soon as I stood up a man pushed her away and took the seat I had just vacated. It was bad enough seeing people not give up priority seats but then to see that and he just sat there obstinately as I told him it was for a pregnant woman.”

In an even more astonishing twist, the courteous commuter investigated the man’s employer after noticing his work uniform. He reportedly discovered the individual works for a company that “makes products to help people with mobility and health issues”.

The Reddit post sparked considerable debate, amassing over 600 comments, including responses from both the pregnant woman in question and her husband.

She remarked: “Firstly, to the kind man who offered your seat, thank you so much for doing the right thing and I think we were both gobsmacked by this other man’s behaviour.”

The expectant mother went on to shed further light on the incident: “To clarify the situation, I got on the tube this morning and since I am 8 months pregnant I usually ask for a seat if someone isn’t offering it, since I know people can be in their own world or on their phones.

Expectant mother shares shocking Jubilee Line priority seat incident online

“However, this morning, I didn’t have to as this kind man stood up and then this other 2 meter tall, well built man pushed in front of me to grab the seat.

“I said ‘excuse me, I think this seat was meant for me’ and the kind man said the same thing. He just looked us both in the eye, didn’t say anything but remained seated.

“The kind man said ‘I can’t believe you just took a pregnant woman’s seat’ but nothing from him, he shortly after pretended to sleep, probably not to face the looks of the rest of the carriage.”

The woman noted that fortunately, a fellow passenger offered her a priority seat shortly afterwards, though she “didn’t want to kick up more of a fuss”. She expressed concern about what the seat-stealing man might do if confronted further.

She concluded her comment: “I would have understood if he also had a disability but he had clearly been capable to stand until that point, didn’t wear a badge or say anything in his defence.

Outraged public slams London passenger’s rude behaviour on social media

“I think he was just lazy and rude. My main thought was: I wonder what his mum would have said if she saw his behaviour..”

Her husband also waded into the discussion, writing: “So this was my wife! Thank you for noticing as not many do.

“Thanks to the other person who stood up to give her a seat. To the guy that just ignored my wife you’re an a******!”.

Fellow social media users were equally appalled by the man’s conduct. One commenter wrote: “That’s absolutely ridiculous. I would have shamed him loudly in front of everyone.”

Another added: “The irony of working in health support and doing that… unreal. Hope karma catches him fast.”

A third commented: “Contact his work company and shame him. Even if they do nothing, at least you’ve done what you can. What a t*****.”