Mind the Pole: The Unspoken Etiquette of Public Transport
Navigating the bustling world of public transportation comes with its own set of challenges, not the least of which is the shared use of space—like the poles designed for passenger safety. Yet, there seems to be some confusion among commuters that these poles are meant for personal lounging, even when others are using them for their intended purpose.
Just this morning on the Northern line, I encountered a stark example of this common faux pas. While securely holding onto a pole for balance, an oblivious fellow passenger decided to lean against it, oblivious to the fact that my hand was already in place.
Initially, I was perplexed. Was this an act of ignorance or something else entirely? Despite my attempts to subtly communicate that the pole was occupied, the individual remained blissfully unaware, leaving me no choice but to adjust my grip to avoid an odd and uncomfortable situation.
Unfortunately, this meant dealing with the aftermath of contact with their back—a less than pleasant experience that had me reaching for hand sanitizer at the first opportunity. This incident serves as a reminder of the simple yet crucial etiquette tips that can greatly enhance our daily commutes. In shared spaces, being mindful and considerate of others is always the best approach.
One thought on “How on earth do people not understand that the pole in the aisle of the tube is not for leaning on if people are already holding it?!”