Is there anything more romantic than a train meet-cute? You know – a Before Sunrise-esque encounter with a stranger who turns out to be your soulmate? Alas, unless you’re really lucky, the closest you’ll get to such a thing IRL is an ‘It’s A Match!’ notification aboard the midday service to Peterborough.
But if you’re a regular on Northern Trains, you’ll have to put swiping on hold, at least while you’re travelling. The rail company, which runs services across the north of England, has told customers that dating apps are banned on all of it’s trains.
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The ban isn’t new, but Northern recently issued a reminder for the ‘older people and adults who have been off over the summer - and maybe not found that holiday romance’.
The reason behind the ban is pretty simple: the operator’s onboard wifi blocks any websites and apps considered unsuitable for kids. As a member of the ‘Friendly Wi-Fi’ scheme, a certification linked to the UK Council for Child Internet Safety, it also blocks platforms that involve video streaming, gambling, alcohol, adult content, pornography and nudity are also blocked on-board, as well as software updates and file-sharing services.
Matt Rice, chief operating officer at Northern, said: ‘Whilst some dating websites – and users – will operate with appropriate levels of self-moderation, some might not and it’s important that content not suitable for everyone to see or hear – particularly children – isn’t viewed on our trains.’
Of course, there’s nothing stopping you from finding the Jesse to your Céline if you’re brave enough to strike up an actual conversation with a stranger.
Rice added: ‘This on-board dating app embargo aside, we do wish our single customers all the best in their search for their perfect partner.’
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