[Omah]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15220297

Dutch National Railways is introducing emergency plastic bags for passengers to urinate in as part of its first-aid provision on some commuter trains.

Spokesman Jeroen von Geusau told the BBC "wee bags" would be installed on commuter trains without toilets.

He said the bags were for use in emergencies such as power failures.

"When you have to wait three or four hours on a train, then it is quite logical you have some people aboard who need to go to a restroom," he said.

"It is like when a plane is circling above London for two hours."

About 16% of passenger trains do not have toilets, the spokesman said, pointing out that the Sprinter services involved stop at stations every 5-10 minutes.

'Are you serious?'

The portable urinal, made by the firm Travel John*, is designed for the use of "anyone without access to traditional or sanitary facilities", according to the company's website.

The bag is attached to a spout and filled with a powdered substance that turns into a gel, AFP news agency reports.

Rail passengers interviewed by Dutch TV were dismayed by the idea.

"Are you serious?" said one unnamed female passenger.

"No, no way, I just can't see myself 'going' in that. For a man it may be easier, for a woman that's just impossible."

The Dutch scheme was not prompted by any one incident, Mr Von Geusau said, but after two hard winters in the Netherlands, "you need to be prepared".

* The TravelJohn comes with a unisex adapter :

http://www.traveljohn.com/1-1-1.php

So, do you use it in your seat, in the aisle or at the back of the carriage ?

[Visage]

Personally I would hold on till I became ill..

[Omah]

Originally Posted by Visage

Personally I would hold on till I became ill..

Would the sound of running water emanating from those passengers around you who are using the "facility" not affect you ?

[Visage]

Originally Posted by Omah

Would the sound of running water emanating from those passengers around you who are using the "facility" not affect you ?

I'm not really affected by running water or even the cold. I've always hated using public loos that I have managed to hold myself over the years and can pretty much manipulate when I can go to the loo.


Now if I was about 40 years older, then I'm sure that would be a different story.

[Omah]

Originally Posted by Visage

I'm not really affected by running water or even the cold. I've always hated using public loos that I have managed to hold myself over the years and can pretty much manipulate when I can go to the loo.


Now if I was about 40 years older, then I'm sure that would be a different story.

Aye, ye'd be orderin' yon "incontinence knickers" like the Big Yin .....