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We've recently surrendered to the abyss that is public transit in LA. We're adept users of mass transit, having logged in some serious train, bus, and streetcar time in some of North America's biggest cities. And it's hard to explain to people outside of our fair metropolis what it's like to use the MTA here on a regular basis. Sure, our subways are much cleaner than New York's--of course they're 100 years younger, too. And we all can agree that by and large, LA is a driver's town, and deliberately so. So naturally the city's subway users are behind the times on subway etiquette. It's gotten so bad lately that we're ready to speak up about it.
Subway boarding etiquette. People, let everyone off before you try to shove your way on! It's common sense. It's common courtesy. It's logical, it's polite, and it's fair. You'll get on, and most likely get a seat if you just step aside and let the nice people out. Don't stand directly facing the doors, with that steely "a ha, I'm goin' in!" expression! All you're doing is creating a barrier between the people on the train and the platform. Think about when you want off that train--the people standing there facing you are probably going to get a swift elbow to the gut from you because, hey, whadda ya know, they're in your way! If you're that close to the train, it's not going to leave without you. So step aside, for crying out loud!
Escalator riding etiquette. Have any of you heard of "Walk Left, Stand Right?" It's pretty common practice. Some folks like to sprint up the escalator--they've got connections to make, they're feeling sporty, they're in a hurry, whatever. If you're feeling more leisurely, stand to the right, so as to let those people pass by you freely. And above all, don't stand in the middle!
There are plenty of other etiquette issues, and some that aren't exclusive to train riding, and these include, but are not limited to: Controlling your sticky, noisy, fussy, obnoxious children; Trying to sell pirated movies or cartons of cigarettes to fellow passengers; Not having proper hygeine; Asking questions of the one person in the general area who is wearing headphones, when they are wearing the headphones so as to avoid being asked questions; Hitting on or trying to pick up fellow passengers; Being stupid enough to not pay your fare; Staring; Initiating racially, politically, sexually, or any other -ally controversial rants or soapbox speeches to a captive audience of strangers who don't give a damn; Making out so much that other people start to mutter "Get a room"; and, last, but by no means least: It is never, under any circumstance, acceptable to urinate while standing and facing the Metro Red Line Information/Directory just outside the Hollywood & Western station at the top of the escalators. Yes, sir, We mean you. Zip it up.
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Bwahahahahahahahaha! I just cracked up for 2 minutes.
I don't suppose that any of these things happen on the subways in New York, the BART in San Francisco, or elsewhere? I don't think you can attribute lack of etiquette to the relative newness of our subways. The same kind of behaviors also happen on MTA buses and at bus stops.
Actually, I would contend that for the most part people in SF & NY know the "Walk Left, Stand Right" rule, and also tend to let people out of trains first. Of course the general rude and nastiness happens everywhere, in different cities and in the context of buses, but based on a lifetime of subway riding experiences in other cities, there's definitely a different mode of conduct here underground.
having spent lots of time on DC's metro and recently been in New York, the etiquette is generally much better.
Many years of actually using public transpo doesn't make you necessarily nicer but it does provide some regular behavioral cues that allow for a more pleasant trip.
Can I get an Amen!
Talk about zeitgeist -- SFist had a very similar post on Thurs as well.
if nothing else, please, please, please stand to the left on the escalator. there's nothing worse than being locked in and unable to move.
Speaking of proper hygeine: how about not stinking the entire car up with your disgusting farts? Ever heard of self control?? Or are you an Unfrozen Caveman Commuter? And a shower wouldn't kill you, either, Smelly McFarty.
And speaking of other horrible odors: whatever "food" you have in your tupperware container smells like something that died 4 months ago covered with onions. Keep your food to yourself, there's no eating allowed on the Metro, anyway.
And Metro riding ladies, get some pepper spray. I did, after almost being mugged next to the ticket machines several times plus some other threatening incidents. Step to me when I have my money out, and you will be sprayed, jerks! Personally, I think there should be more security in the Metro stations, especially at night.
Speaking of proper hygeine: how about not stinking the entire car up with your disgusting farts? Ever heard of self control?? Or are you an Unfrozen Caveman Commuter? And a shower wouldn't kill you, either, Smelly McFarty.
And speaking of other horrible odors: whatever "food" you have in your tupperware container smells like something that died 4 months ago covered with onions. Keep your food to yourself, there's no eating allowed on the Metro, anyway.
And Metro riding ladies, get some pepper spray. I did, after almost being mugged next to the ticket machines several times plus some other threatening incidents. Step to me when I have my money out, and you will be sprayed, jerks! Personally, I think there should be more security in the Metro stations, especially at night.
Check out the Metro Manners cards...a series of trading cards by the collaborative artist team Meat Collective...they were commissioned by Metro Art to promote transit etiquette. Pretty cool. Here's more info: http://www.metro.net/about_us/metroart/ma_tempmm.htm
Metro Manners Trading Cards are a series of collectibles that depict public transportation etiquette in a variety of whimsical scenes. Original cartoon characters, designed by Meat Collective, colorfully promote a pleasant bus and rail environment. The trading cards are solely distributed through Metro’s Safety Program, which gives presentations to schools in LA County. Characters include: the Blab Sisters, who talk to loudly on the train or bus; the Snacker, whose food and drinks make a mess; and Edgy Eddie, who creates a hazard by standing too close to the edges of sidewalk curbs and train platforms.
There are fourteen trading cards distributed in foil wrappers of five cards. Each card has a numerical value (1 through 9). These values correspond to a game where two or more players could flash a card and the highest value wins with the exception of "1" which beats a "9" and a "2" which beats an "8".
"A world where aliens, stuffed animals, and all sorts of other creatures co-exist and drive each other crazy is one way reality can be perceived - or maybe it really is that way to illustrator, Robert Goodin. In collaboration with Metro's Metro Art, Meat Collective used the cards as a way to catch the attention of school kids and gently educate them on proper public transportation manners." - Diana Aspilera
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