'I regard myself as all woman but only at weekends and some Thursday afternoons,’ explained one transgender Labour supporter who preferred not to be named Derek. ‘But would I pass muster in one of these female carriages if an inspector got on? And what would he want to inspect to check?
Lesbian groups have also asked for clarification. One explained in a focus group that she feared Japanese subway-style attendants squeezing women who already feared physical assault into crowded trains. 'I am certainly all woman' said one woman, 'but I would opt for female Japanese subway-squeezers, where available.'
Virgin Trains marketing department have already recognised that class and age could also play into a new sexualised ticketing system. 'Our Upper Class Go Gay Two Way Senior Railcard to Manchester is a hot ticket' said a spokesperson, 'and our celibate quiet carriages are discreetly attracting a lot of attention.’
Meanwhile Labour is abandoning the use in by elections of women-only short lists. Instead, they will trial 'short women only lists' in order to address 'height inequality issues within the party.'