In message . com, GazK
writes
Not sure about "larger louts" (seems a bit fattist to me) but screaming
brats, or "children" as we call them, have as much right to be on a
train as you do (assuming they are not in the quiet carriage).
I would disagree. Quiet and well behaved children (just like quiet and
well-behaved adults) have as much right as anyone to be there. Once
they start being unreasonably noisy then they become one of those
factors that put some people off public transport.

With the
best will in the world, children sometimes make loud unexpected noises
and even responsible parents cannot - and indeed should not - expect
them to remain mute on a long train journey.
I wouldn't expect them to remain mute either and I suspect no-one but
the grumpiest Grown Up would. But excessive noise (and the running
around) makes an otherwise pleasant journey intolerable.
--
Ian Jelf, MITG
Birmingham, UK

Registered Blue Badge Tourist Guide for London and the Heart of England
http://www.bluebadge.demon.co.uk