A new YouGov survey has revealed the most irritating behaviours on London's public transport, with 90% of Londoners citing passengers who board before others can alight as the top annoyance. The survey, which listed 20 common tube faux pas, also found that 74% of respondents dislike people placing bags on seats, 71% are bothered by smelly food, and 56% find delays at ticket barriers frustrating.
Other behaviours that grind commuters' gears include talking loudly, wearing backpacks, manspreading, and failing to move down inside the carriage. Members of the public shared their pet peeves, with one person saying: 'Buses are the worst. People are shouting at each other and there is loud music.' Another added: 'Trains are the most annoying. It’s the people pushing.'
Specific complaints included passengers standing outside bus doors after alighting, blocking others; people brushing their hair on trains; and those eating smelly food or speaking loudly on phones during morning commutes. One respondent noted: 'I hate it when women brush their hair. It really gets on my nerves.' Another said: 'Speaking on the phone on morning trains is the most annoying.'
The survey highlights the challenge of navigating rush hour without causing offence, as even well-intentioned behaviour can irritate fellow passengers. Travel firms have issued warnings for commuters to be more considerate, urging them to avoid these common nuisances to improve the journey for everyone.
