Public transportation etiquette
If you’re like me, you’ve felt the wallet crunch as the gas prices have reached historic highs. I work in the city so parking is not cheap. I’m not ready to give up my SUV for a squash-able Mini Cooper or spacecraft-looking Toyota Prius either, so I take public transportation to work instead – which is virtually FREE, thanks to my employer’s “environmental” benefits.
So here’s what I’ve learned in the last few years of riding buses, vanpools, and subways –
Learn the ropes quickly. Be ready when the bus/van/subway comes to your stop. If you need to, have correct change or your pass in hand and get on as quickly as you can. Everyone has a place to go and when you are slow, you slow everyone else down. If you have a question, get on and ask it after you sit down. Also be ready for your stop when it comes up, and don’t whine if you miss it because you weren’t paying attention.
Leave as much space as possible. At least in America , we like our space. Generally riders fill up every other seat until it gets too crowded (with people typically preferring the seats in the front or closest to the doors over the backseats). Don’t sit directly next to someone unless you intend to chat (quietly) with them or if there’s absolutely no more seats. I would even take an empty handicap/senior seat before sitting next to someone to avoid the grunts (especially on a bus). If you got on early and someone is coming to sit next to you, politely lift your bags off of the seat next to you and don’t be a seat hog (unless you have really good reason you don’t want that person sitting next to you).
Remember to have 6-inch voices. Nobody wants to hear about your brother’s wife’s friend who has a knitting business or listen to you gripe about how much you have to do for your inept mother-in-law. Keep the drama to yourself. Even if the person next to you is interested, it’s not likely the rest of the people on board are.
Bring something to listen to or read so you don’t have to stare at people. It makes people feel really awkward when you’re staring in their direction and it’s not clear what you’re staring at. If you must stare, look outside the window closest to you or put your head down.
Leave the driving to the driver. One of the best things about “riding” is that you don’t have to drive. Forget about the traffic and enjoy the ride (literally). The last thing the driver needs is a dozen backseat drivers giving – or yelling - out their suggestions. Public transportation drivers usually have set routes and set detours, and they are paid to be safe drivers. If they need your help, they will ask.
Do you have any to add?
There are many benefits to public transporation, which I didn't elaborate on here including building relationships with people, especially I've found with other riders that you see frequently. I agree though in being courteous as another piece of etiquette - an occasional smile or hello can never harm ;) (Comment this)
This is a great post! Etiquette is important no matter where you are, but especially in such close-quarters. Another thing I would add would be to watch the volume of your voice, as you said, but especially on the phone. If the reception is bad, people like scream, "WHAT??!! I CAN'T HEAR YOU!" over and over instead of hanging up and trying again later.
As Rebecca said, bus-riding can also be an opportunity to meet people. You don't have to sit all alone with your music turned up loud. If you're friendly, who knows what can happen?
-Haley
(lifebeforenoon.com)
Thanks for your comment. Good point on the cell phone! (Comment this)
I would say that your comment about seating patterns is dead on, but perhaps should suggest that at least every other seat should be filled before considering sitting next to someone or standing. Personally, when someone asks about riding the bus, I tell people to just head to the back of the bus when they get on - I've seen people standing in the front when the back half was empty. But I can see why some people truly don't want to sit in the back. (Comment this)