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Singing on the Bus – Commuter Etiquette

21/11/2011

11 Comments

 
_ When there are lots of spare seats on the bus why does the 'mad person' choose to sit next to you? And why do they then start singing? When they are not even listening to music. Have they decided you should receive a personal performance for some reason? Have they heard you are influential and can further their singing career? Or have they just lost all 'shame' and ability to restrain against offending others? How did they reach that level of confidence?

Sure, a singing crazy is better than a smelly or dangerous one but still probably not what you want appearing next to you on a peaceful bus journey.

This got me thinking about what other unwritten rules we have for travelling on public transport. Do you actually still form a line when waiting for a bus? I thought not. But do you respect those who got to the bus stop before you and let them on first? Hmm, not all do.

Be Prepared
Do you have your fare or pass ready for boarding or do you get on and then open your bag to look for it? (Just like those people at the supermarket checkout who couldn't use their time in the queue to find their wallet but wait until all of their items have been scanned as if their shopping wasn't real until the till display told them a total amount to pay.)

Unwanted Noise
Noise on the bus can be from loud, one-sided, phone conversations; shouting passengers; teenagers playing music for all to hear from their mobiles; from people using headphones that don't truly keep their music 'personal', etc. Public transport is never likely to be a silent ride but an awareness of others would be nice.

Giving Up Your Seat
We would all like to sit on our own on the bus but there simply aren't many single spaces so generally you'll be on a seat for two people. Many try to keep others away by placing their bags beside them but I've never yet found someone who paid for two seats so their bags could have a 'comfortable ride'. So when the bus gets busier why do we always see another passenger have to ask to sit down before these bags are moved?

There are some passengers who need a seat more than most of us and they shouldn't have to ask. Give your seat to those "less able to stand" is what the bus sticker says and it shouldn't have to list who the people are in that category. It's disheartening to see the lack of respect we have these days for our older folk. Many are too proud to ask for a seat but they should never be in that situation. If you're able-bodied, jump up and let them sit down.

Smells
From body odour issues to smelly food this should be obvious. And when would it ever be OK to leave a chicken and chips box on the floor under your seat?
 
Travelling on public transport comes with many pet peeves. Now's your opportunity to share yours.
11 Comments
SEAS-IT link
20/11/2011 07:58:38 pm

Our other pet peeves (in no order of priority):
1)People who open up their newspaper in full leaving us with either the paper flapping in our face or across our laps.
2)The 'innocent'gropers (you give a stare and they say "excuse me" as if was all accidental)
3)public announcements at stations/stops that are impossible to hear and if possible, are impossible to understand.


Reply
OIK Editor link
20/11/2011 08:03:04 pm

Excellent additions to the list. I'll also add those who begrudgingly let you sit next to them but only give you half a seat to perch on. And then call their friend and loudly tell them how much space the person sitting next to them is taking up.

Reply
Joyce
20/11/2011 08:10:37 pm

Pregnant women on buses and tubes not asking if they need to sit down. Pregnancy does not strike you dumb. You have a mouth use it.

Reply
OIK Editor link
20/11/2011 08:13:34 pm

A new view point on the situation, thank you. We often hear men say they don't know whether to offer a seat in case the woman is not pregnant but overweight instead. But you're right, assertiveness is a useful tool to help all involved.

Reply
Phillippe
20/11/2011 08:18:17 pm

I have seen preachers on buses and people having an argument on their phones one time I noticed their phone wasn't even switched on!! A side effect of price increases would be to see less of this behaviour on our commute

Reply
OIK Editor link
20/11/2011 08:36:48 pm

Preachers and pretend phone calls? Wow, I don't want to get on your bus route! ;-)

Reply
Aut2
26/11/2011 10:51:01 pm

Please remember "less able to stand" includes hidden disabilities not merely overt physical ones. Autism makes it hard to be on the bus in the first place; standing squished amongst people is extremely tricky.

Reply
OIK Editor link
27/11/2011 01:57:16 am

I think it's excellent to raise this point, thank you Aut2. There's a myriad of hidden disabilities and we all need to have greater awareness of those around us when travelling on public transport. I've seen a woman and faint while standing on a crowded train and many looked away rather than help get her to a seat.

Reply
Sour Grapes
9/12/2011 03:01:50 am

Old folks, they have the whole day off. They should plan to travel when its not so busy.

And as for pregnant women, well I didn't make her pregnant, that was (usually) her choice, so she can face the consequence and stand.

Meh.

Reply
Bus Blinds link
20/5/2012 03:27:28 pm

When traveling on a nearly empty bus and some weird person comes and sit beside you, you sure feel a bit petrified and if the location of destination is not known a feeling of irritation overpowers you and you start looking to somehow know when will your destination arrive and you'll get out of the bus.

Reply
OIK Editor link
20/5/2012 10:22:08 pm

It's true, a "crazy" on the bus can make you feel nervous and uncomfortable. If you have concerns it's always best to either move nearer to the driver or get off the bus early, as long as the problem person doesn't get off too. Stay safe!

Reply



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