Etiquette for public transport and quiet behavior
Etiquette on public transport generally emphasizes respect for fellow passengers and maintaining a quiet, orderly environment. Key points include letting passengers exit first before boarding, giving up priority seats to those who need them, and keeping the space clean and free of damage. When it comes to quiet behavior, the use of headphones for music or videos is expected, phone conversations should be brief and kept to a low volume, and talking loudly or causing disturbances is considered rude.
Many places have quiet or silent sections on trains where noise, including phone calls and loud conversations, is kept to a minimum. Keeping feet off seats, not taking up multiple seats with bags, and standing on the correct side of escalators are also common etiquette practices. Respecting transportation staff and following the system’s specific rules such as fare payment is important as well.
In some countries, formal rules or fines may exist for disruptive behavior, while in others, silent or quiet carriages are being introduced to improve passenger comfort.
Here are key etiquette and quiet behavior guidelines for public transport:
- Let passengers exit before boarding.
- Give up seats for elderly, disabled, pregnant, or children.
- Keep phone conversations brief and quiet; use headphones for audio.
- Avoid loud talking, video calls, or playing loud music.
- Do not eat, drink, or litter on transport.
- Keep feet off seats and avoid placing bags on seats.
- Be mindful of personal space and privacy.
- Pay your fare and show ticket when requested.
- Follow instructions from transport staff.
- Stand on the right side of escalators and allow others to pass on the left.
- Respect quiet zones or silent carriages if available.
These practices create a comfortable, respectful environment benefiting all passengers. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5