Subway Etiquette

Public transportation is designed to be an affordable and convenient way to get around the city, but that does not mean that riding the subway in Toronto is always a pleasant experience. Subway cars are often packed like sardines, the plush seats are covered with stains, and strange smells that you can’t quite make out, linger in the stale air.

Crowding during rush hour and occasional delays are unavoidable, but other factors that contribute to the experience are largely controlled by the riders. Whether on your way to work, school or an appointment, your actions impact other peoples' experiences on the subway. This is why good subway etiquette is essential.

Here are a few suggestions that may make the daily commute a little easier for everyone to handle:

1. Move away from the door when the subway stops if you are not exiting. People will be able to come and go much quicker if the doorway is not congested with passengers that don’t blink an eye when the doors open.
2. Don’t put your chewed, stale gum on the seat. No one wants to unknowingly walk around with gum stuck to their butt all day.
3. Never push people out of the way to get to a recently vacated seat.
4. When you have a cold or the flu keep extra Kleenex in your pocket- don’t wipe your runny nose with your hand and then proceed to hang onto handle bar (note: always wash your hands after you’ve been on the subway).
5. Don’t throw your copy of the morning paper or half-empty coffee cup on the floor; hang onto your garbage for the extra minute or two before you pass by a garbage or recycling bin.
6. Make sure your dog is house broken before bringing them on the subway- no one likes to walk through puddles in the subway or the smell of urine.
7. Don’t stare at the person who is sitting a few inches away from you. This makes for an incredibly tense and uncomfortable subway ride.
8. When you are going up or down the escalator obey the simple principle of stand right, walk left.

Although these suggestions seem simple they could be the difference between having a good or bad day for a commuter.