Public transportation connects opposite corners of a city. It connects urban areas to rural areas (and all of the suburbs in between). It cuts down on congestion and drunk driving and the environmental impact of privately owned vehicles. So what’s the catch? The catch—if you choose to view it that way—is riding with others. Sometimes A LOT of others. And sometimes it’s hard—after a long day or a particularly difficult morning—to be considerate and use common courtesy when riding.
This first one is a no-brainer. It’s common sense. In order to make room on the bus or in the car for new passengers—we need to let the old ones off first. It only takes a second and it prevents a traffic jam if we let those exit before we enter.
Some vehicles have specific seats for disabled riders and seniors. If you take one of these seats please give it up if a passenger boards that requires priority seating. Also important to note—not all conditions requiring special care (or a seat) are visibly obvious so please do not feel the need to police these seats yourself. If you see someone occupying them that doesn’t have what you might consider an obvious disability. Keep in mind that we never know what someone else is going through.
But feel free to be courteous. If you are an able bodied individual (in a seat) and a passenger boards that looks like they might really appreciate not standing on the ride—offer them your seat. We know you don’t have to—but it’s nice—and very appreciated by those that may have more trouble staying steady on their feet.
Still on the topic of seats. You have one human body—you get one seat! Your backpack or purse or groceries has no human body and we’re guessing didn’t pay a fare and therefore does not get a seat. Please use your lap. Or the floor. Allowing all seats to be occupied by humans also helps to keep the aisle and doorway clear.
Speaking of the aisle and doorway—don’t block the doors. Please. It affects rule number one—let passengers off before you board. Those passengers need to be able to get to the door and pass through them. If a person is blocking the door—they can’t do that. When someone enters before someone can exit creates more congestion in the aisle. And in some scenarios—it can prevent someone from exiting the vehicle at their correct stop. So please move down the aisle. Utilize the poles and hand rails on seats.
Friendly reminder—buses aren’t bistros and trains aren’t dining cars. You might really want to eat those chicken wings or that tuna shorti—but the smell might be offensive to the person next to you. And not just smells are bad. So is sound. Please avoid talking loudly or playing music.
Last but not least—please take your trash and everything else you brought with you—with you.
By doing our individual part to be courteous to those around us—we make everyone’s ride and day better.