Train Etiquette

We all catch trains in the hustle and bustle of the every day. Everyone detests peak hour yet we still travel during peak hour in order to arrive home. Unfortunately, everyone else is also trying to travel during peak hour and the situation ends up being distinctly uncomfortable.

Here are some tips to try to make your trip (and everyone’s trip!) distinctly more comfortable:

• Try to move as far as possible down the carriage. This will ensure that there is room in the carriage for all instead of causing the area near the doors to be overly dense.
• Place bags near your feet on a crowded carriage and step on the handle to ensure it cannot be stolen. Bags held at shoulder height reduce the amount of standing space for others.
• If you have obtained a seat, squeeze as much as you can to allow others to sit. Your bags will be just as happy sitting on the floor.
• If you are near the doors, step out of the crowded carriage and onto the platform. Wait for all to depart from the carriage before stepping back on it. This will allow people to leave the carriage easily without having to squeeze past other people.
• Try to keep matters of personal hygiene (nail clipping, make up applications and the like) to a minimal on the train. No one likes being hit in the eye by a stray nail clipping.
• When in conversation, with your fellow passengers or on the phone, endeavour to converse quietly. The details of your conversation are not especially exhilarating for all to hear.
• Wear headphones or turn your phone on silent if you aim to play games or music. Once more, your personal entertainment is not entertaining to the rest of the carriage.
• When wearing headphones, ensure the amount of leakage is minimal to none. Your taste in music may not be suitable for all.