Etiquette Rule #12: Exiting the Train

Gotta Bounce?
Observing the exit patterns of passengers makes us long for the days of grade school fire drills, when little Johnny and Susie knew how to get out to the playground in calm, orderly, and single file fashion. With transit numbers on the rise, it’s time to conjure up those childhood lessons and put them to good use. As with any effective evacuation exercise, you should know your escape route beforehand. So, when disembarking a train or bus plan ahead and slowly make your way to the nearest door over the course of preceding stops. If you happen to be sandwiched in the back, this technique will minimize the last minute panic and shoving that ensues when you realize how quickly the doors close. If you are already positioned near the door, keep your cool. No one likes pushy door hoverers, so don’t expect to win any popularity contests when a fellow passenger states the obvious ‘I’m getting off too’! Not planning to depart but insist on being a door squatter? Set a good example and step outside to let others through, but be sure everyone is off before re-boarding. And, as we Muni Ladies like to say, practice makes perfect and permanent!

Muni Manner: Anticipate your stop to calmly exit the train or make way for others to do so. It’s the safe and courteous thing to do.

Etiquette Rule #11: Cover Coughs, Sneezes, and Yawns

Word of Mouth
Good hygiene and health manners are appreciated anytime and anyplace, but never more so than in the cramped quarters of public transportation. With more buses and trains filled to capacity, we're often forced to share air in a space that's already too close for comfort. This is especially relevant during cold and flu season, when the triple threat of germs from coughs, sneezes, and yawns (CSY) is at its peak. A brief review of microbiology reminds us that viruses and bacteria are passed from person to person in tiny droplets of moisture that come out of the nose - not to mention that side dish of halitosis we didn't order - when you CSY. TMI? We know, but we Muni Ladies bring you these grossgusting facts to drive home the point that respiratory etiquette states you should cover your mouth to avoid spreading germs on mass transit. And, if you don't have a tissue, your sleeve will do. So, the next time you're waiting to exhale, don't leave us down in the mouth: spare the air (and us) by coughing up your own sneeze guard.

Muni Manner: To prevent the spread of germs, cover your mouth when expelling air. It's the safe and courteous thing to do.

Etiquette in Action

Summer Lovin'
To stay true to our "Etiquette in Action" segments, we Muni Ladies are finally hitting the road to...take some action! In the time since we launched our etiquette guide for the transit savvy, we've observed many instances of exemplary transit tact on our rides and we feel it's time for some positive reinforcement. That's why the Muni Ladies and their minions will take to the tunnels of public transportation in the month of August to give mild-mannered riders some lovin' for what we deem to be proper Muni Manners. So, if you remove rubbish someone else left behind on the train or tuck your tote to make room for a fellow rider, don't be surprised when you receive a spontaneous gift card as our way of saying thanks for boosting the state of civility on mass transit. Carry on!

Etiquette Rule #10: Avoid Staring at Others

Take a Picture, It'll Last Longer
Our moms taught us to be flattered when someone notices us, and they also taught us that it’s not polite to stare. Everyone partakes in a little gratuitous people-watching to help pass the time, and, granted, it can be hard to ignore certain commuter spectacles (ER #6). If you have a tendency to be a glare-aholic, consider keeping your eyes pointed in the direction of your lap or the floor. Feel free to look up and take it all in, but keep your eyes moving and never pause to lock in on any one passenger. Got busted mid-fix? Shoot over a kind smile before quickly averting your eyes. And if you simply know you can't resist the urge to ogle, be sure to hide behind undercover devices like a newspaper or your trusty sunglasses. If you happen to be someone’s eye pudding, it surely prompts paranoid thoughts but rest assured that the peeper most likely left their book at home or is cruising without their conversational compadre - so don’t take it personally. Let this be a reminder that classic pearls of wisdom from our moms still apply in modern day mass transit.

Muni Manner: To prevent fellow passengers from feeling uncomfortable, keep your stare in check. It’s the safe and courteous thing to do.

Etiquette Rule #9: Refrain from Singing

Thisssss Is...NOT Muni Idol

The recent explosion of music-based reality programs has made a lasting cultural mark and created a hotbed of budding pop stars. But, the impact of tuneful TV shows has also infiltrated the most unlikely of places: public transportation. Everyone's a star now, as more people are singing it loudly and proudly on transit. Music may be the universal language, but random singers on our mass transit ride hit a sour note. Guilty parties include commuting crooners who sing along to portable music players, and those who feel compelled to entertain us on the train. So, listen up Muni Mariah, not only are you imposing on our right to silence, but you are interfering with our ability to eavesdrop on the neighboring cell phone conversation (see ER #2). And, Mr. Transit Tunes, who sings that song you're singing? Pearl Jam? Let's keep it that way. Far be it from these Muni Ladies to hold you back from stardom, but the next time you have the urge to bring a little melody to the Muni - do us a solid, and don't. Or, you'll have us singing the blues.

Muni Manner: Avoid subjecting fellow passengers to unsolicited serenades. It's the safe and courteous thing to do.

Etiquette Rule #8: Properly Stow your Bags

Going Toe-to-toe with the Tote
We all carry around a little baggage, so the next time you take public transportation be mindful of your fellow passengers and how you toss those bags around. Space is at a premium and during sandwiched rush hour peaks the last thing we want is a ram in the back or a jab in the side. If you are one of the many standing straphangers or pole holders, place your bag between your legs to avoid said infractions. Whether you are Mr. Corporate America with your briefcase and gym bag or a member of the tweener backpack team with packs full of learning, we support your endeavors. But, are we also required to endure your shoves? For the shoppers in the bunch (yes, you Ms. Fashionista with the latest oversized handbag): rather than take up twice the room, just slide that bag down to your side. All the better to keep an eye on your precious goods. Who knows, if airlines have started charging for checked bags, it’s not a given that your transit system won’t. By strategically placing or carrying your bag beside the lower half of your body, we are all now free to move about the cabin.

Muni Manner: Help save space and avoid jostling others by properly stowing your bags. It’s the safe and courteous thing to do.