Train Etiquette

Being a frequent user of trains to assist with my commute to and from uni I have undergone some testing and trivial times whilst on board, all of which will contribute to this post...

Why do some people find it so difficult to think about how their actions will impact others? Especially when in a close environment and said actions can not go unnoticed. Public transport is one of these environments and it is here that people seem to forget that they are being watched by bored commuters studying their fellow unknown companions.

This got me thinking about the simple rules of train etiquette...

KIDS

If you are travelling with children, control them. Don't let them run riot around the carriage screaming their heads off and bashing the arm rests up and down. Keep them occupied, preferably in a seat next to you. Perhaps introduce some games such as 'eye spy' and 'snap'...

QUIET ZONES

The 'quiet zones' are called quiet zones for a reason. It doesn't take a brain surgeon to figure out what is expected of travellers who are seated in this area. So if you are prone to loud conversation or are travelling with children that are unable to adhere to rules, keep out of these areas.

CONVERSATIONS

Bare in mind that when you are on a train, or any mode of public transport for that matter, that over hearing a conversation is fairly easy. This means there is no need to shout about what happened last night or how good the weekend was. Keep your conversation to a tone that is acceptable. (Unless it is massively exciting, in which case, speak up.)

HYGIENE

General rules of hygiene are: don't do anything considered unhygienic in public. This includes: squeezing spots, clipping nails, picking noses, burping, farting etc...

Just keep it to yourself and wait to you get home. I don't want to see/hear/smell any of the above.

EATING

If you are going to partake in food consumption whilst onboard then I have no issue, I too am particular to a bit of travel food now and then as well but if it smells hideous, for example, egg and cress sandwiches, keep it locked up til lunch. (Or at least until your stop.)

SWEARING

Now, I'm certainly not saying I'm an angel when it comes to potty mouths, but there is no need to swear in every fucking sentence. Old people and parents are just a few who get easily offended when being in the presence of language louts. If you need to swear then keep it to yourself rather than announcing that Tony is a complete twat in front of the whole carriage.

CHAVS

Well, what can I say. Clearly there is no avoiding these creatures. Especially on any form of public transport, but even they should know that they are instantly judged by their appearance as soon as they set foot on board. They then have the choice to conform to that judgement made by other commuters or prove them wrong. Of course most go for the first option and live up to their name... If you are a chav and you take the train, try to create a better image of yourself...

SLEEPING

I personally have no problems with snoozing en route to your chosen destination. What I do have a problem with however, is choosing to do so whilst seated next to a stranger. This can potentially create a variety of problems, such as; dribbling, blocking the exit route, excessive snoring and leaning.

If you are going to snooze, please do so with a vacant seat next to you... as we well know, no one wakes up a sleeper!

So... There we have it. Some very simple rules for train etiquette. Next time you are travelling on the rail make sure you bare these in mind, after all we're all in the same boat/train/plane/bus.....

(This is not the first time i've blogged about my hatred for trains! To see more click here)