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How to Behave on Public Transportation

Whether it’s concerns for the environment, the price of gas, parking headaches or just plain convenience, more and more people are using public transportation to get from point A to point B. The increase in ridership means that a lot more people are sharing buses, trolleys, subways and boarding areas—making it even more important that we remember to use common courtesy.

Dude Its Rude

In an effort to get riders thinking about their personal travel habits, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) recently launched new passenger etiquette ad campaign titled “Dude It’s Rude.” SEPTA says the new campaign intentionally takes an edgy tone, using strong visuals and minimal content to get the message across. They don’t include any branding on the posters so that the riders think more about the message and less about who is delivering it. I think the campaign is brilliant! Some of the “to the point” messages include “DUDE IT’S RUDE…TAKE YOUR TRASH” AND “DUDE ITS RUDE, TONE IT DOWN.”

In fact, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York has taken their own etiquette campaign a step further with ads aimed at the impolite practice of “manspreading”. Have you heard of this before? It is the wide-legged stance that many men assume when they take a seat. Unfortunately, this sitting position on the subway often takes up two or sometimes three seats in the process. And that is just plain rude!

When In Rome … (or In This Case, Singapore)

In Singapore, the public transportation system may have the strictest rules I have ever come across. And if you’re visiting the country, be aware of those rules because the country is known for harsh penalties and you aren’t going to get a “get out of jail free” just because you’re a tourist!
On trains in Singapore, you are not permitted to eat, drink, or even breastfeed. Not even a drop of water is allowed. The reason? According to the country’s transport authority “… it could spill and wet seats, soil other commuters’ belongings or cause them to slip and fall. We want to prevent any accidents and make sure that everyone can enjoy a pleasant ride.”

Etiquette tips for travelers

To ensure that your next ride is pleasant for both you and the people you’re sharing space with, keep these etiquette tips in mind:

• When boarding buses or trains, wait until everyone that wants to exit has disembarked before you get on
• Keep doorways free and clear on trains and buses
• Always offer your seat to pregnant women, the elderly, the disabled, or mothers with young children
• Take up just ONE seat. Remove your backpack or large purse if you are standing and place it between your legs or directly in front of you. Gentlemen – Please avoid the selfish act of “manspreading”.
• On escalators in North America stand to the right to allow people who wish to walk up to go by on the left
• Avoid wearing strong perfumes when using transit
• Don’t use your outside voice inside commuting with friends
• Watch your language (keep it clean, people!)
• Put your phone on vibrate and refrain from making or taking calls using it while on public transportation
• Refrain from eating on the train or bus.
• Sneeze or cough into the inside of your elbow—and away from people if possible
• Turn down the tunes if you’re listening to music with earphones (yes, it’s louder than you think)
• No smoking – this includes at the train station or bus stop
• Never leave your trash on the bus or train

What’s your biggest public transit etiquette pet peeve? Share it with us.

Photo credit: : https://www.flickr.com/photos/cavyi/3789791794/sizes/m/in/photostream/

Posted by Margaret Page in Everyday Etiquette and tagged public transportation etiquette.