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How to Behave on Public Transportation

transportation etiquette
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 [1].” 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:

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/ [2]