Train Etiquette: Tips for Getting Along for Efficiency

Riding the train is a great way to save money and to cut down on the amount of harmful chemicals released into the air that create an imbalance in Earth's system. Unfortunately trains do not offer much privacy or elbow room for that matter but they are efficient. If you are going to start riding the train in the near future, it would be best to familiarize yourself with the proper etiquette of riding on the train. Familiarizing yourself with the proper etiquette of riding a train will help you get to where you're going without much hassle.

Do not stare at someone that is seated directly across from you. Many trains have awkward seating. In most cases, the seats are placed directly across from each other so that you are forced to look into the direction of the person across from you. You should avoid staring at the person across from you as this will make the person feel uncomfortable. To prevent this awkward situation pretend to look up at the train's ceiling, or pretend to read the posted ads on the train better yet, bring a book or handheld game to focus your attention on.

Do not place your bag on the empty seat next to you. You only have one rear end therefore; you should only take up one seat. It is very discourteous to block others access to a seat. Keep your belongings on the floor or place them on your lap.

Try your best to avoid stepping on sneakers and shoes. When the trains become crowded you might stumble and accidentally trample someone's fancy shoes. Accidents happen but some people do not take kindly to accidents and might curse you out. Try your best not to step on peoples' toes.

Hold onto the poles. Please do not try to defy gravity. The poles are there for your safety and convenience. You should use them to prevent yourself from falling down, or from falling on others when you have to stand up.

Get up for old/disabled people. If you are a healthy individual then you should have no problem standing up for an elder or disabled individual. Do not pretend as though you do not see the old or disabled person. Kindly get up and offer your seat. You should avoid sitting in seats that are designated for the old and disabled.

Offer pregnant moms your seat. Just as with the older people and disabled people you should extend this courtesy to pregnant moms. Pregnant moms are in a vulnerable state and it could be tragic if they were to fall and injure themselves or the baby. If you see a pregnant woman waddling onto the train and no seats are available kindly offer her your seat.

Offer moms with children your seat. If you notice that there is a small child standing with their parent because there are no seats available, offer them your seat.

Clear the space for moms with strollers. If possible scoot over to the side so that moms with strollers can easily fit onto the train.

Keep music to yourself. If you are listening to music through headphones, make sure that the music is kept at a personal level. No one wants to hear your music blasting out of your headphones.

Talk on your cell phone quietly. Don't broadcast your situation. There is no need. You will most likely lose service as you go in and out of tunnels. Instead of taking loudly on the train try texting

Don't hold conversations as though you were in an overcrowded stadium. Just as with the cell phone, if you are traveling with someone or have spotted someone that you know, talk to them in a normal tone, and don't shout. Loud voices can easily annoy people and you don't want a confrontation.

Say excuse me instead of pushing. The majority of adults have learned this as a child but you will be surprised to see how many people forget their manners when riding a crowed train.

Cover your mouth with the fold of your forearm when you sneeze or cough. Again this is common courtesy but there are many people who still refuse to cover their mouths when they sneeze or cough. Colds are communicable and the crowded trains are a great way to catch them. So do others a favor and keep your germs to a minimum.

Lastly, avoid eating if you can. Eating is prohibited on some trains and permitted on others. Not everyone likes the same type of foods and the smells of your food may be off-putting. If you can help it, try to eat when you are off of the train.