I'd guess that these days, the upper bracket of clientele are travelling in other ways (flying, own car, car hire, etc), people now are more rushed, and process

I'd guess that these days, the upper bracket of clientele are travelling in other ways (flying, own car, car hire, etc), people now are more rushed, and processes/businesses are optimised to eke out a profit or make for a predictable schedule. Combines to create a rushed and ruthless atmosphere full of people already feeling under pressure.