Social Issues,Entitled PeopleDEC 7, 2024

50 Times People Just Had To Take A Photo Of Absolute Jerks Taking Public Transport (New Pics)

Aurelija Rakauskaitė, Mindaugas Balčiauskas and Austeja Zokaitė

Personally, I adore public transport. It’s environmentally friendly, cheap, and gets you where you need to be without having to deal with traffic jams and other drivers. However, this enjoyment is often overshadowed by fellow passengers who seem to forget that they’re in a public place and not their own living room. Loud talking on the phone, videos blasted on full volume, unsolicited coughing, and shoving sometimes make me want to take my eyes out after a long day at work.

Anyone who has stepped foot on public transport probably knows this pain all too well. At least, it looks like it from all the photos our team at Bored Panda managed to find where passengers are acting like complete nuisances. Below you’ll find a whole list of the most frustrating commuters' behaviors, proving that common decency needs to be more common.

While you're scrolling, make sure to check out a conversation with etiquette and diplomatic protocol consultant, founder of Manners with Kristina and author of Elevate Your Presence, Kristina Szabova, and etiquette expert and founder of Etiquette Consulting Inc., Jules Martinez Hirst, who kindly agreed to discuss with us public transport etiquette.

#21 Full Train And This Guy

Passenger sprawled across subway seats, taking up space, wearing a large hat, illustrating public transport passenger issues.

matt12a

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50points

In case someone ignores such requests or becomes aggressive, experts recommend avoiding escalating the situation by involving transport staff or letting it go completely.

"Remember that everyone is already stressed and on edge so you want to avoid escalating the situation," says Hirst. "Be polite but assertive. A simple polite request can go a long way to solving the problem. When in doubt, lead by example. If commuters are not giving up their seats, then you can offer up your seat, and hopefully, you will inspire others to do the same."

#22 The Guy Sitting Across From Me On The Bus

Public transport passenger with feet on the seat, showing inconsiderate behavior.

bruhgreenbean

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#23 Music Aficionado Sharing His Music On The Bus With Everyone

Person sprawled across bus seats, showcasing infuriating public transport passenger behavior.

drawnandcoded

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50points

#24 She Also Attended A Half Hour Work Meeting Without Earphones

Crowded bus with people's feet on seats, displaying habits of infuriating public transport passengers.

BowiesCoolCanasta

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49points

To ensure a pleasant commute for everyone, etiquette experts provide a few rules that public transport passengers should stick to:

Keep quiet—use headphones or speak softly during your phone calls.
Respect personal space—try not to bump, lean, or push others.
Share the space—your one fare entitles you to one seat. Do not take up more than that.
Be considerate—cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow so as not to spread germs.
Follow the rules—pay your fare and wait your turn to board.
Let others off first—mind the doors and allow passengers to disembark before boarding.
Leave personal grooming to the privacy of the bathroom—light touch-ups, like reapplying lipstick or fixing your hair, are fine if done discreetly, but anything more should be reserved for a private space.

#25 Previous Passenger Left An Imprint On My Seat

Wet public transport seat causing discomfort for passengers.

MorriCC

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#26 Sleeping In The Stairwell. Couldnt Get Off At My Stop. Yay Highschool

Passenger sitting on train stairs despite warning sign, showcasing public transport behavior.

reddit.com

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#27 I Had To Get Up And Change Seats Because These Scum Bags Decided To Start Smoking Next To Me. Not Only That, But They Kicked Leftover Food Under Their Seats And Spill Their Drinks All Over The Floor. This Type Of Stuff Happens Every Day On The Train

Public transport passengers sitting with feet stretched across in a train car.

ChicagoChurro

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48points

"A little kindness and self-awareness can make all the difference. Whether it’s offering a smile, helping someone with heavy luggage, or saying “thank you” to the driver, these small gestures can transform a busy, chaotic commute into a more pleasant experience for everyone. After all, how we behave in shared spaces reflects not just our manners but also our respect for one another," says Szabova.

"Gratitude and kindness go a long way," agrees Hirst. "Thank people or give a nod when someone gives you their seat or helps you with your bag to show you appreciate their gesture. A little thoughtfulness can make public transportation better for everyone."