Last week’s unseasonably warm temperatures got me thinking, upon disembarking the crammed, hot train, a little stickier than when I boarded.
I thought, we Calgarians need a refresher on public transit etiquette.
And when I say we, I mean those nose-picking, door-holding, backpack-ramming, seat-hogging, religion-pushing, cleavage-gawking, cellphone-talking, door-blocking, germ-spreading, newspaper-littering, smelly riders. I don’t mean me.
This is a crash course in how to ride the LRT without making enemies.
Feel free to clip this and pass it along as a public service.
Upon boarding the train, make your way past the doors so others can board, too. It’s public transit and the first rule is: We’re all sharing the train. That also means the majority’s interests outweigh the individual’s — don’t hold the door for latecomers or we’ll all be late.
When you’re ready to take your seat, take one seat only.
Your backpack, briefcase and other belongings get to share that one seat with you.
Further, seniors, the disabled and pregnant women trump your desire to relax — be polite and offer your seat to the aforementioned.
Please arrive to the train fit for public consumption. Showering and applying a healthy dose of antiperspirant or deodorant before leaving your house will keep the inevitable rush hour stench down a bit.
As well, nobody wants to see you applying your makeup, clipping or filing your nails, brushing your hair, horking mucus or picking your nose.
Keep a Kleenex or hanky in your pocket. And consider the potential pandemic consequences before riding while ill.
Under the category, R-E-S-P-E-C-T, I’ll address personal space, volume and privacy.
The C-Train is not a nightclub; this means yelling, singing, cheesy pickup lines and touching are not acceptable. If you must gawk, use the two-second rule. Observe your neighbour’s signals; if she is looking away, not responding or switching seats, then she is just not that into you or your conversation — leave her alone.
It should also go without saying those around you do not want to listen to your very important cellphone conversation or the tunes from your iPod. We’d also rather not see two 16-year-olds playing tonsil tag.
Two final points — take your newspaper, gum and wrappers with you when you disembark, and if you’re riding the escalator upon disembarking, walk left, stand right!
These few simple courtesies could go a long way to make the daily commute a little more humane.
