We've all heard of road rage, that urge to commit violence (or at the very least voice-raising and the throwing of large, heavy objects) while driving. But what about those of us on the buses and trains in this city?
A little courtesy goes a long way. Let's revisit some of the fundamentals.
- Situation #1: A person with greying hair, a cane or just generally older gets onto the bus. You are under the age of 25 or 30 and are sitting in the "priority seating for elderly or handicapped" seats at the front of the bus. What should you do?
Answer: Give up your seat! One day, you'll be old too ... and I'm sure you'll appreciate the courtesy of a young'un giving up their place to help you rest your weary bones.
Situation #2: An obviously pregnant woman gets on the packed bus or subway car. You are sitting comfortably reading your book. What do you do?
Answer #2: Again -- give up your seat!! If you had to think about it, you're an idiot.
Situation #3: Crowded rush hour train. You have a backpack. Do you (a) leave it on, no matter how many people are there on the train; or (b) put your bag on the floor between your legs?
Answer #3: Survey says ... (b): drop and stow. I personally think this is a bit of a grey area, especially in the middle of winter with all that slushy business happening, but I can understand the inadvertently-whacked-with-a-knapsack sensation being distinctly annoying.
Situation #4: You see a lineup at the bus stop. You see the bus approaching. Do you (a) step up to the front of the line just as the bus is pulling up, (b) merge with the people getting onto the bus so that you're not the first one on but not the last one either, or (c) get to the back of the line and wait your turn.
Answer #4: Despite frequent evidence to the contrary ... the answer is (c): get to the back of the line! What, you think that your lucky arrival just in time to catch that bus also gives you a right to get on before those people who actually got there beforehand and waited? Um, NO. It's called courtesy people!
Situation #5: Again, it's rush hour. You need tokens or tickets. There is one window open and a huge lineup. Do you (a) make everyone wait while you find your cash, (b) have your cash in hand by the time you get to the window, or (c) step aside so that other people can get through while you rummage for the cash to pay for your tokens?
Answer #5: The ideal situation is (b), plan ahead. But, failing that, at the very least (c): get out of the way while you rummage so that everyone doesn't have to suffer as a result of your poor planning or organization.
See? It's easy! Just a few simple rules to make the shared transit experience a better one for everyone.
Do you have more pet peeves? If so, send them my way.
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