The 10 Rudest Things You Do On Public Transport & 10 Ways To Be The Perfect Passenger
The 10 Rudest Things You Do On Public Transport & 10 Ways To Be The Perfect Passenger
The Silent Rules Of Shared Travel
Public transport is one of those places where countless strangers share the same space, side by side, for long stretches of time. In these moments, small choices matter. A single action can ripple outward—causing frustration or quietly spreading respect. The ride itself may be routine, but the way we behave on it leaves lasting impressions. Here, we point out careless habits that irritate entire carriages and thoughtful gestures that earn silent appreciation. Let’s start with the rude things.
1. Hogging Two Seats With Bags
A single bag on a seat may look harmless, but it forces someone else to stand in a crowded bus or train. That small act grows into big frustration as the ride fills up, and it always reads as inconsiderate.
2. Talking Loudly On Phone Calls
Nothing unsettles a quiet carriage faster than a booming phone call. Loud conversations intrude on those trying to rest, read, or work. Passengers can’t always escape the noise, and as minutes drag on, the irritation multiplies with every word.
3. Playing Music Without Headphones
There’s nothing peaceful about shared noise. Music played aloud steals the quiet that commuters depend on, and clashing tastes spark instant annoyance. Glares and shuffling away are all silent signs of just how irritating it has become.
4. Blocking Doors When People Exit
Standing in the doorway might feel like getting ahead, but it slows everyone else. Exiting passengers feel pushed and squeezed while the vehicle stalls until space clears. The more urgent someone’s stop is, the more stressful your presence in the way feels.
5. Refusing To Offer Seats To The Elderly
Sometimes, kindness begins with a seat. When older or less mobile passengers are left standing, their safety is at risk, and your refusal looks selfish to others. Offering your seat is a small action that can completely change someone’s ride.
6. Eating Smelly Food On The Ride
What smells delicious to you can smell awful to others. As for the odors, they can linger even after the food is gone. And since escaping the scent may not be an option, the whole ride feels unpleasant for everyone but you.
7. Cutting The Line To Board First
One person skipping ahead might seem minor, but it can throw off the entire flow. People feel cheated, tempers flare, and arguments or shoving can slow boarding even more. Plus, many passengers remember the line-cutter—not a good look.
8. Sneezing Or Coughing Without Covering
Every uncovered cough or sneeze increases the risk of spreading illness. Germs can be expelled, and visible spray makes people instantly uncomfortable. Even when there’s little room, passengers shift away to protect themselves, feeling unsafe and anxious about their health.
9. Manspreading
Taking more space than you need forces others into discomfort. Legs, when spread wide, squeeze the row and make sitting unpleasant, and many prefer to stand rather than sit next to you. The signal is clear: one person’s comfort is valued over everyone else’s.
10. Littering On The Seats Or Floor
Leave trash behind, and a shared ride turns into a dirty, unwelcoming space. Food wrappers, spills, or scraps force others to stand when seats are soiled. Also, others may copy you, and the mess multiplies. Even a single littered item can cause discomfort.
Having seen the things not to do, it’s time to check out what to do.
1. Letting Others Exit Before Boarding
A small act can make the whole ride smoother—waiting for people to exit first. It opens space and eases frustration for everyone. Boarding happens faster, and the flow feels calmer. Fellow passengers often appreciate it, even if they never say a word.
2. Using Headphones For Music And Calls
Peace on public transport often depends on keeping your sound to yourself. Headphones prevent noise from spilling over, allowing others to rest or focus. Even basic earbuds create harmony and avoid conflict, while you enjoy your own world privately.
3. Keeping Bags On Your Lap, Not The Seat
Respecting shared space is simple: keep your bag on your lap. That one shift frees up seats for others. A fellow rider’s comfort improves instantly, and you avoid awkward requests to move belongings or arguments about hogging space.
4. Offering Your Seat To Those In Need
When you offer your seat to elderly and pregnant riders, it prevents them from struggling to balance. It signals care and builds a sense of community. One seat swap can brighten someone’s day, inspire others to be considerate, and prevent accidents in a moving vehicle.
5. Saying “Excuse Me” When Passing
Sometimes two little words make all the difference. “Excuse me” keeps crowded spaces calm and sets a respectful tone. People move aside faster when asked nicely, and manners in a rush-hour crowd can even spark an unexpected smile.
6. Standing Clear Of Doors At Stops
Getting out of the way helps more than you think—it lets passengers exit quickly, easing bottlenecks that slow everyone down. Those boarding after you feel less crowded, and the doorway stays calm. It creates a safer, smoother environment overall.
7. Keeping Food And Drinks Neat & Odor-Free
Not all food belongs on public transport, but neat, odor-free snacks usually go unnoticed. Avoiding strong smells or messy bites prevents discomfort for those nearby. Plus, seats and floors stay clean, and peace remains intact.
8. Maintaining A Reasonable Speaking Volume
Public transport is no place to dominate with your voice. People don’t want to feel forced into your conversation. To preserve the calm riders depend on and prevent yourself from becoming the center of unwanted attention, keep your voice low.
9. Covering Mouth When Sneezing Or Coughing
Covering a sneeze or cough stops germs from spreading through the carriage and makes others feel safer. Many notice and respect this hygiene instantly. Using your elbow instead of your hand goes further, changing how others see you with just one move.
10. Cleaning Up Trash Before Leaving
End your ride with a simple cleanup—it makes a big difference. The space will be pleasant for the next person. A clean area often inspires others to follow suit, and leaving no trace marks you as the considerate passenger everyone appreciates.
