Etiquette when standing travelling on public transport?

Question

I know it is proper Etiquette to give up ones seat if a lady is standing on a bus , but what if one has a nice spot to stand in, such as a comfy corner with something to lean against? should you give up your space if you see a lady standing?

Answer 1

I wouldn't have thought so - I've never seen anyone offer a standing space to someone else, but it would be polite to move up a little, allowing them to stand next to you if they wish. Really, someone sitting should offer the lady a seat, so its a shame that not everyone does this, and ladies or elderly people are left to stand.

Answer 2

Personally, I always stand on the bus/train. There are three reasons:

1) I am 6'8" tall and, consequently, find it a struggle to even fit in the bus seats
2) No-matter how old or what gender a person is, I feel that I am fit and healthy and, consquently, easily able to stand up. If I sit down I will inevitably have to stand up for someone eventually, so it is safer to start standing and get comfortable
3) I once sat on a seat and realised that the seat was wet. On closer inspection I realised that the dampness was not caused by a spilt drink or rain, no, the dampness was caused by someone's lack of control.

Answer 3

I've been travelling on public transport in the UK for years and I have to say, it's a mixed bag really. Most of the time it's fine, but you do get the occasional weirdo or gang of kids who are up to no good. They're usually just noisy and annoying, but there can be times where you might want to get the next train like on football match days where the train can be packed with singing/drinking football fans, but it's not too bad, you just wait for the next train. They all want to get to the match - they don't hang around. I've never felt the need for pepper spray though I have to say - it's not that bad. The last train/bus at night is possibly to be avoided, depending where you're staying and if you're on your own. But I understand how you feel. I've lived in Singapore on and off for years and it's pretty safe to travel there at any time of the day or night. It can be a bit daunting to go somewhere like the UK, but you should be OK. I took my kids to London for 3 days in the summer and we had a great time. It felt a lot safer than I thought it would. We also went to Liverpool, Cardiff and Cambridge - no problems anywhere.

Answer 4

As a woman who is young, not pregnant and in good health, I will say with all honesty, I would be inclined to give my seat up for a pregnant woman OR a senior citizen - man OR woman. I have no problem with it.

As for being offered a seat on a crowded bus/train, I have, in past accepted offers for seats (on those days where I've had a particularly bad day and am just physically and mentally exhausted, it's a welcome invitation), but on other days, I've also sincerely thanked someone for offering me his seat, but declined.

I guess, though, to answer your question, there's nothing wrong with offering a spot to lean if you have one and are comfortable with doing so - "If you'd like to rest your back in the corner, please take my spot." The person you've offered your spot to can always say "no."

How considerate are you to even think of that?!

Answer 5

I want to know how come the lady is standing on the top of the bus, and why are you standing on spots? Anyway my advice is keep your lean space in the comfy corner and only invite people in if they are nice and keep their ear hair under control.

Answer 6

I don't mind standing up on public transport, but it is lovely, if a little embarassing when somone offers you their seat. I was on a bus once, having just found out I was pregnant. The driver ( a friend) knew I was pregnant and refused to move the bus until I was allowed to sit down. I was very grateful but horribly embarrased when my pregnancy was announced to all and sundry and almost everyone leapt up to offer me their seat. I was greeted by a round of applause as I sat and had the most embarrassing journey of my life as one after another of the passengers took turns to congratulate me. I'll never forget it and now always give up my seat if a girl looks shattered, after all you never know!......

Answer 7

First define a lady. Not too many around on public transport. Second, if you are young and healthy and you have secured a seat, then you might consider giving your seat up for a pregnant woman, someone who is disabled or an elderly person, whether male or female. Giving up a standing place is rather more complicated. I object to young, healthy males blocking the doors with their drag-along lap-top cases. They think they are too important to free the doorway when you want to get off!

Answer 8

I so agree with Ally. Men are loosing the etiquettes cos the women want to be independent and blah blah blah. I always appreciate it if a gentle man opens a door for me or gives me a sit. The least i do is reply with a smile and a thank you. but i heard stories where women snap back by these gestures!!

I wonder where all the gentleman have gone nowadays :(

Answer 9

Call me old fashioned if you like, but I like being treated as a lady with a seat being offered on public transport and doors being opened for me etc.

I always say thank you with a smile and I think of that person as a Gentleman who are becoming more rare in this day and age which is unfortunate.

Men cannot be blamed totally for this as I have seen men give up their seats without receiving as much as a thank you or a nod. No wonder some men give up.

Manners and respect need to be revived for, and by both genders.If you are one of those gentlemen who offer a lady a seat, please don't give up. You are becoming a rarity and some ladies do appreciate it.

Answer 10

The elderly, disabled people, pregnant ladies and mothers with children get my seat. Ladies who are on their own (I.E. no kids/not pregnant) don't, as they are fit and well enough to stand. I am a Gentleman, but this is taking things a little too far nowadays.

Oh and to the first answerer... This is 2007! Classes mean nothing anymore! If some posh lady or man stepped onto the train/bus (first of all, where's their chauferred limo?) they can stand like the rest of us have to. (Oh, and I'm not lower class. I'm in the middle class, if you must know)