Stop Following Poor Public Transit Etiquette
If you don't want to be one of those people on public transit who gets the side eye from everyone, you'll want to keep reading this article. Yes, because when you're riding the bus, taking the ferry, or going on the subway, there are some dos and don'ts that you should be following. Here are 20 of the most annoying things you definitely want to avoid.
1. Manspreading
Although "man" is a word found in manspreading, it doesn't mean women can't be found guilty of this too! If you spread your legs so wide that they take up extra space, you're definitely going to get a good glare or two if you do this on public transit. Always sit as politely as you can so you don't intrude on anyone else's personal space.
2. Blocking the Aisle or Doors
Public transit is often crowded enough, so don't make things worse by blocking the aisles or doors. All it does is make it harder for people to exit or enter the bus/train. People have got places to go! Standing in the way just causes everything to slow down; it's a waste of peoples' time and they won't forgive you for it.
3. Eating Smelly Food
No matter where you are, eating smelly food in a small, enclosed space is considered pretty rude. For other people around you, it can make them uncomfortable, or worse, sick. Always be mindful that others might be sensitive to smell.
4. Refusing to Offer Seats
We've all seen this happen before - an elderly man or pregnant lady is forced to stand on the bus or train because someone refuses to give up their seat. Listen, some people need to sit more than you do. If you see someone struggling, be the bigger person and offer them your seat.
5. Excessive Conversation
We're not saying you can't talk while on public transit, but it is important that you're respectful to those around you. If you're with friends, don't talk so loudly that it disturbs other people. If you're on the phone, don't use speakerphone. It's as simple as that.
6. Poor Personal Hygiene
To be honest, maintaining proper hygiene is important no matter where you are. Exuding unpleasant body odor is enough to make anyone want to get off the bus. It's not just for other people, it's for yourself too. Do you really want to walk around in public making everyone else uncomfortable?
7. Littering
You've likely heard enough concern for our environment to know that littering is never okay. If you're stuck on a bus or train with garbage, hold onto it until you find a trashcan. It's everyone's duty to maintain a clean public transit environment, so make sure you do your part too.
Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash
8. Rushing to Board
We know public transit can get a little hectic when it's busy, but it's still never okay to push or shove. You'll get your chance to board as soon as the people exiting have gotten off! It's much better to patiently wait your turn instead of risking the safety of everyone else too.
9. Loud Music or Videos
Is there anything more frustrating than being stuck on a long bus ride with someone who's blasting their music or videos out loud? Once again, we remind you that being respectful of everyone else's personal space is so important. Not everyone is down to listen to your music on repeat. If you forgot your headphones, that's your loss.
10. Hogging The Seats
Sharing is caring and that's never been more true than when it comes to finding a seat on public transit. There's a limited number of seats available so don't hog more than one. Don't be the person who takes up more than one seat by throwing their bag or personal items on top of it. If you want to be comfortable, so does everyone else.
11. Staring at Other Passengers
Some methods of public transport have seating arrangements where people face one another. There's usually nothing wrong with this, until you see someone staring straight at you. Maybe it's an accident, but it can sure make people feel uncomfortable and tense. Just try not to zone out while staring directly at someone else.
12. Not Managing Children
Being in a public space with noisy and disruptive kids is annoying no matter where you are, whether it be on a plane or a bus. For people who want to enjoy some peace and quiet, children can definitely be their worst nightmare. As a parent, if you're bringing your kids on public transit with you, make sure they're being considerate of everyone else. Yes, that means no running or screaming.
13. Taking Off Shoes
You might be thinking, "Who in the world takes off their shoes in public?" but you'd be surprised by how some people act on public transit. We don't have much to say about this one other than just don't do it. It's rude, gross, and incredibly uncomfortable to look at.
14. Leaning on the Poles
While leaning on the poles might help you feel secure, we can't say the same goes for everyone else who now doesn't get any space to hold on. Don't hog up the handrails or safety poles - they're there for a reason. It's a matter of safety.
15. Not Respecting Priority Seating
For some reason, people just love ignoring signs. The priority seating sticker is there with a purpose! Designed to give seniors, pregnant women, or disabled passengers a comfortable seat whenever they ride public transit, a lot of people sadly abuse this. People often treat it as first-come-first-serve when they really shouldn't.
16. Spreading Germs
It should be common practice to cover up your nose and mouth whenever you cough or sneeze, but it's even more important to do this when you're in a confined public space. The last thing people want is to catch a cold because someone blew their germs into the air of the bus.
17. Bringing Large or Obstructive Items
If you can, try to avoid bringing massive bags or personal items on public transit. There isn't a whole lot of space to begin with, and taking up more of it with an object just makes things more crowded. It's the worst when it blocks aisles or exits.
18. Arguing with the Driver
Hearing yelling or screaming is always uncomfortable, but it's even more so when it's directed at a bus driver who's still driving. If you've got some beef with them, wait till they're at least parked and try to use a calm tone. There's no need to flip out at someone in public; it makes everyone else feel so awkward.
19. Not Holding Onto Something
The biggest mistake people make on public transit is to not hold on to the safety railings. Don't overestimate your balancing skills - during abrupt stops or swift turns, things can get a little dicey on board! The last thing you want is to fall over and potentially hurt someone else and yourself.
20. Drunken Behavior
If you're going to drink to the point that you become intoxicated, it's best to do that privately and indoors. Going out in public while drunk is unsettling to see, especially if you enter a closed space like the bus or subway. Not only are you a danger to yourself, it can make everyone else feel scared and unsafe.
