Trains carry thousands of passengers from point A to point B safely and conveniently on a daily basis. Any trip will be more pleasant if we take care of ourselves and practise proper train etiquette.
Our feet should stay on the ground and should not be put onto any seat, even if they are empty. As it is a public setting, it is impolite to have our feet on the seats as our shoes are not sanitary. Bags and luggage should be placed on the racks and not on the seats.
A sip of water or some energy-boosting bites can generally keep us fueled for the rest of our journey as travelling can be draining at times. However, it is not permissible to eat and drink on the train. Food smell and drink spillage on the train can be rather unpleasant for the other passengers.
As ordered by the government, we must wear a face mask that completely covers our nose and mouth when we are inside the train, until the order is lifted. Wearing a mask reduces the risk of transmitting germs and diseases to the other passengers onboard.
When talking on the phone or with someone seated nearby, we should always keep our volume to a minimum. No one needs to hear about our unfinished chores at home or troubles at work. Received a viral video over WhatsApp that simply cannot wait? Use earphones!
A little kindness goes a long way. We all know how the seats on the train tend to fill up fairly quickly during peak hours. However, we should always prioritise the well-being and safety of the elderly, the disabled and any pregnant women.
Allow other passengers to disembark from the train first before boarding. Once onboard, move down the aisle and away from the doors to give space for other passengers to board.
We can and should only occupy the space within the perimeters of our seats. We must also remember to not ‘manspread’ our legs beyond the area of our seats as it is important to respect that the trains are a shared public space.
The most basic etiquette wherever we go is to keep the place clean and to avoid littering. The same applies when we use any public transportation. Look for a trash bin on the train to dispose of any unwanted rubbish. If there is none, it is best to hold onto it until we get off the train.
Finally, we should avoid cutting lines at all costs. Respect everyone else who is boarding or getting off the train and queue up in an orderly manner.
Together, let's make an effort to go the extra mile in ensuring that our train trips are pleasant for all passengers onboard.