Commuter etiquette
If you commute regularly try not to annoy your fellow commuters.
Commuting is way of life for many people working in the towns and cities around the UK.
If your commute involves a train or bus then there's some etiquette that you should follow. It's like an unwritten rule and those who regularly commute will be able to tell you how annoyed they get when people don't follow these rules.
Move down the carriage
This is an age-old problem which comes when just a couple of people decide not to move further down the train or bus. Everyone then congregates around the doors and no one else can squeeze on.
Even if you're getting off at the stop shuffle down a little, there are bound to be other people getting off at the same stop who are sitting down.
Another reason to move down is that you are more likely to get a seat. If you're standing in the aisle when someone gets up you're that bit closer to bagging the seat before someone near the door.
Allow people off the train
When the train arrives there's often a mad rush to get on, but let everyone off first. Don't push in front of everyone else who's waiting either, it won't make you popular.
No luggage on seats
Seats are for people and luggage should be in luggage racks. Simple.
However some people seem to think different and hope that the polite British commuter won't ask if they can sit down.
Give your seat up to someone who needs it
If you're lucky enough to have a seat but you see someone who needs it more than you then offer it to them. They might not want it, but it's always nice to be the one to offer.
Don't take up the table
Shared tables are exactly that, shared, so when four people have to share the table it's not fair if one person comes along and puts their suitcase on it. Luggage should always go in a luggage rack or on the floor, definitely NOT on the table.
Be ready at the barriers
If you travel through a station that has ticket barriers don't be the person to slow down the hundreds of commuters behind you, get your ticket out ready!
Give people personal space
Think about if you might be invading someone else's personal space. Of course there are always situations where you'll be crammed next to someone, but don't just stretch out if there's someone sitting opposite you.
No smelly food please
We're not talking your packet of crisps or your apple, we're talking about your fish sandwiches and take away.
Of course you're well within your rights to eat on a train just think about some of your choices before you open your egg sandwich on a packed train at 5.30pm.
No loud music and don't shout
Keep your music down, you might love your music at full volume, but it's likely no one else will. Likewise if you're having a conversation on your phone, remember everyone else can hear. They don't want to hear the ins and outs of your day or what you're having to eat that evening.
Keep to the one way system
If there's a one way system then it's there for a reason! Stick to it.