Etiquette experts have issued a definitive guide to public transport behaviour, stating that people who clip their toenails on trains “deserve to be sent to a different planet” and that getting changed in a carriage is “absolutely not” acceptable.
Key Rules for Public Transport
The guide covers the big dos and don'ts of being on a train or bus. It says you should “absolutely not” get changed in a train carriage, don't sing football songs in a big drunken pack, don't have a chat on speakerphone, and you shouldn't put your feet on the seats. If you're sat at a four-seat table by yourself, you should probably move if others need it.
However, it is acceptable to take up two seats if you have a large suitcase and there's nowhere else to put it.
Feet on Seats
Etiquette coach Laura Akano told the Guardian: “It’s a public space you’re sharing with other people, and you really should treat it with respect. You think that’s OK – to put [your shoes] on a seat that somebody else is going to sit on?”
She added: “It’s not an extension of your sitting room. It’s just inappropriate behaviour in a public place.”
Single Person Taking a Four-Person Booth
The rules on this one depend on the situation and who might need the booth more than you. If a big group gets on, then you should do the considerate thing and offer it up.
Rupert Wesson, director of etiquette advisers Debrett’s, said: “You don’t have to, but it’s a nice thing to do. If you need to work and have your laptop out [on the table], then so be it.”
Getting Changed on the Train
This one is simple. “Absolutely not,” says William Hanson of English manner. “You can remove some clothes – you could take off a hat, scarf, gloves or even a jumper. But beyond that, no. Small modifications, fine, but not big modifications.” He added that taking shoes or sandals off is “a complete no”.
Drunk Football Chants
Laura Akano ruled this one out. She said: “It can be quite rowdy, especially if people have been drinking, and it gets uncomfortable. I have experienced it enough times, and usually I move carriages, or sometimes I’ve decided to alight and wait for another train.”
She added that people chatting about the match is fine, “but you start singing, and there’s a whole element of chaos and unrest. I feel that is inappropriate because you’re not the only ones there. Show some consideration for other passengers.”
Clipping Toenails
This is another simple one. “No, you shouldn’t be doing that in public,” says Laura. “These are private things and not something that other people should have to witness. You should have done them before you left home.”
She added that people who do this “deserve to be sent to a different planet.”
Phone Call on Speaker
This one was also ruled out. Mr Wesson said: “Speakerphone, absolutely not. Nobody needs to hear both sides of the conversation.”
“You can always stand up and go into the bit between the carriages if needs be.”
