by Global Urbanist

Created on: January 15, 2010

Crowding a group of strangers into a confined space underground involves the highest level of tolerance, respect, and dignity.  The polite subway commuter understands that proper etiquette helps everyone endure these unnatural circumstances. 

-Buying a fare

When the polite subway commuter approaches a new system they always look for the day or weekly pass without regard to the economics of the purchase.  Even if it costs more than a few tickets there is value in the convenience. Fumbling through coins and figuring out the zoned fare every time they want to commute usually leads to lines of annoyed daily commuters hoping they figure it out before the next train.  A ticket agent can usually help with the purchase of a pass.

Note that on several subway systems there is an unwritten rule that one side of the escalator is for walking and the other side is for standing.  The polite commuter makes sure their companions are not blocking the entire escalator standing. 

-Entering the train 

As the subway approaches the polite subway commuter assumes a crowd will be exiting first and stands to the side of the doorway until it is clear for entry.   The polite commuter also assumes they will not have a seat and the train will get more crowded with every stop.  On entering they immediately go to the centre between two sets of doors to allow for as much room as possible for additional passengers.  Once the train is on its way the polite commuter will survey the train car to see if it is appropriate for them to sit in an open seat or to notify a less able passenger of an open seat.

-During the commute

The polite subway commuter is aware of the changing passenger scenarios with each station.  They are ready to act should a less able person enter and prefer a seat.  Elderly, parents with children, or pregnant women are common passengers who would appreciate sitting.

The polite commuter understands that a subway is a confined public space and behaves accordingly.  Conversations are assumed to be heard by all and therefore appropriate for public eavesdropping.   Music is set to a volume only the commuter can hear and video is appropriate should a child be peering over a shoulder.  Periodicals are never left behind, not so much because of littering, but more for safety.  Scrapped paper blown into the tunnels can start fires when it touches the electric rail. 

-When travelling with extras

If possible the polite commuter tries to avoid travelling with bikes, strollers, or luggage during rush hour.  They try to be next to the exit without blocking traffic flow.  They usually remain standing to maintain full control of their extras.  Backpacks are placed on the ground to make more room for passengers.  The commuter starts preparing to disembark the stop before to avoid last minute panics. 

-When travelling in large groups

The polite commuter knows to split a large group into smaller groups of five.  In each of these groups at least one person is aware of the destination or name of the station.  As the train approaches, the polite commuter will encourage the groups to spread along the platform so each can enter a different door.  This prevents anyone from getting left behind or overcrowding a small section of a train car.  The polite commuter will inform the groups the stop before that at the next stop they will disembark.

The polite subway commuter is always thinking of others and helping to make every one's commute tolerable.  Their behaviour is welcome on transit systems throughout the world.

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