Train Etiquette (2004-04-24)
The majority of the population practices train eitquette well, the small number of mavericks who do not is annoying but not a huge problem.
The number one thing you don't do on trains is stare at
people. The best way to avoid looking at others, thus making them
uneasy, is to find something to do. Pretending to be asleep is
one way, reading is also good provided you don't open the newspaper--if
that's your choice of reading material-- too much so that it bothers
the ones sitting beside you. Many people fold their papers into
quarters lengthwise so that the skinny paper doesn't take up any more
room than the width of their bodies. Casting the eyes downward is
what many passengers do too.
Then there is the etiquette of talking on the cell phone. Most
people
will dutifully switch their phones to the vibration mode so there will
be no ringing sounds to annoy other people. And when
they do pick up a call, they make their conversation as brief as
possible and cover their mouths while talking, this is all done
to minimize disturbance on your fellow passengers.
You should also refrain from stretching your legs out or crossing
them because they will take up the space of others. When you are
standing with a fat backpack, it's best to store it on the rack above
the seats because it is difficult for other passengers to walk past you
with your big bag jutting out from the aisle.
Wear a mask on the train when you have a cold. In spring when hay fever is rife, people don masks to reduce the amount of pollen they breathe in. But a Japanese who has a cold or cough will wear a mask to stop spreading his germs to others, especially in a confined area. Therefore it's common to see masked people on trains. We were once riding on a very crowded train in Shanghai and this man who's standing behind KL was sniffling the whole time. He finally did the unspeakable thing of exploding two huge sneezes through his uncovered mouth and nose and ejected disgusting snot and spit all over my husband's coat. That man showed not a whit of repentance or apology. He topped off his evil deed with a cocky look that said "So what?". But I digress. The point I'm trying to make is how much we appreciate those who are considerate enough to wear masks so as not to infect others with whatever bug they've got because it's not plesant wearing one, it does get hot and uncomfortable behind it.
It sounds like a lot to follow and obey for a simple train
ride. Train etiquette is not the law, but rules of common sense
and courtesy exercised out of self-discipline on oneself and
consideration for others. It's part of what makes this country so
pleasant to live. And KL's coat? The contaminated piece of
clothing got tossed in the bin as soon as the trip was over, wish I
could do the same to that horrible stinker.
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