Everyone Should Follow These Public Transportation Etiquette Rules
There are a few rules when it comes to the etiquette of public transportation. Amazingly, rules that some may think are simple and common sense are completely lost on others.
Rules such as giving up a seat to those in need or not leaving trash behind are two of many rules people should follow while taking any form of public transportation.
Don't Argue With Other Passengers, Even Rude Ones
Arguing with unruly passengers or rude people doesn't really get a person anywhere. Instead, it can make a situation escalate even further and might even result in a physical altercation.
If someone begins yelling or saying rude comments, it is better to alert one of the staff members, have it be a ticket taker on a train or even a bus driver.
Pay The Fare Or Risk A Ticket
Paying for a ticket might seem like an obvious rule, but some people take a leap of faith, thinking they won't get caught. The thing is, those who do get caught are slapped with a hefty fine that is way pricier than the ticket itself.
Just follow the law and pay for a ticket.
An Orderly Queue
Train stations and bus stops can get unruly. So, a general rule everyone should follow is to queue up in an orderly fashion.
This way, people are able to exit the vehicle safely, and people aren't pushing and shoving, something that can result in an accident, such as someone falling down.
Do Not Block Or Lean On The Doors
When traveling on a train or even on a bus, it is important passengers do not block or lean on the doors. Not only is it a hazard, in case people have to exit quickly but say the doors weren't properly secured.
The last thing a passenger wants is to fall out of a moving vehicle. Stay safe and don't block or lean on doors.
Keep Your Music At A Low Volume
While traveling on a train or bus, many people enjoy popping in their earphones to listen to music. It makes the trip go a bit faster. That being said, it is important to be courteous and keep the volume low.
The passenger might want to listen to their music, but no one else does.
Wear Deodorant...Please
Public transportation can be smelly, to begin with. And with so many people packed into a small space, such as a car on a train, it is important to remember to wear deodorant.
People in New York will tell people that in the summertime, nothing is worse than a smelly person on a subway.
Keep Luggage To A Minimum
There is limited space on public transportation vehicles, so passengers should keep in mind that less is more -- aka, less luggage means more space.
People should not be toting several large suitcases onto a bus or a train. It's annoying to other passengers and takes up way too much room in an already cramped space.
Sneezing And Coughing: Cover Your Mouth
For everyone's personal health, it is important for people to remember to always cover their mouth and nose when they either cough or sneeze.
Public transportation vehicles are already riddled with germs. There is no need to add more to the vehicles because someone didn't want to cover their face when sneezing.
Allow People Out Of The Vehicle Before Getting In
To avoid congestion and to make the passenger transition as smooth as possible, it is important for people to wait their turn and allow people to get off the train, bus, or subway before entering.
If they don't, there is a possibility of tripping, getting pushed, or even starting a fight because someone fell to the ground and got hurt.
Hold The Handrails While Standing! They're There For A Reason
The poles and handrails that hang from the ceiling of buses and skyways are there for a reason! It is important for passengers who are standing to hold on tight.
If they don't, there is a very good possibility they will fall to the ground and hurt themselves or fall into another passenger.
Do Not Vandalize The Inside Or Outside Of Public Transportation
Public transportation is a way for people to get around their community. And people of a community tend to like things in their city to look nice without graffiti or smashed windows.
Passengers should do themselves a favor and not vandalize the inside of vehicles or the stations. Not only does it diminish the look of the community, but it is also against the law.
Give Up Your Seat To Those In Need
Something important to keep in mind is staying aware of the surrounding passengers. If there is a disabled, elderly, or pregnant passenger onboard and no seats available, it is a very kind gesture to offer up a seat.
While this isn't necessarily a rule on all public transportation, it is good karma, and the other person will be very thankful.
Stand On The Right So People Can Pass On The Left
As the rules of the road, it is important for people walking through public transportation stations to remember to move to the right-hand side so those in a hurry can pass by on the left.
This not only goes for walking but also on escalators and even in the vehicles themselves.
Don't Leave Garbage Behind
Like most public places, it is in bad taste to litter and leave trash anywhere but in a garbage or recycling can. People don't want to walk onto any form of public transportation and find an empty cup or wrapper in their selected seat.
On top of that, people tend to get fined for littering.
Be Respectful To Staff
Passengers might get annoyed or angry at various aspects of public transportation, such as missing their train or bus. The thing is, being rude to staff due to a mistake they made is not the way to go about things.
Always be respectful to staff, and they will be more willing to help out.
Remove Your Backpack So It Doesn't Take Up Space
One thing passengers can be certain of when taking public transportation is the lack of space. Because of the cramped area, it is a good idea for passengers to remove a backpack and place it underneath a seat, in an overhead storage bin, or even on their lap.
Doing so will open up space for other people to move.
Don't Try To Open Doors While The Vehicle Is Still Moving
This rule might seem fairly obvious, but don't open the doors to a train or bus while it is still moving. Not only is it highly dangerous, but in doing so, the driver or conductor might think something is very wrong and alert the authorities.
Do everyone a favor, and wait until the vehicle comes to a complete stop and the driver opens the doors.
No Smoking
There is no public transportation system that allows passengers to smoke inside the vehicle. It is disruptive and disrespectful to other passengers and will cause the cars to smell of tobacco.
Not only that, but it is illegal to do so, and anyone caught smoking will be slapped with a hefty fine.
Don't Loiter
Loitering not only makes people uncomfortable but will also bring unwanted attention from security officers if they see anyone standing around without any purpose.
Public transportation stations tend to already be crowded, so loitering does nothing more than bring in more bodies to cause more congestion. If someone finds themselves at a station, it should be for a specific reason.
Move To The Back Of A Bus Or Train
To help ensure a steady flow of passengers, people should remember that when they walk onto a bus, it is best to move to the back.
This way, people won't take up time getting situated in the front, making people wait either on the street or behind them to find a seat of their own.
