Public Transportation Commute Guidance

Going to work to the gym, to dinner and a move, rushing home, in most major cities public transportation is a way of life.  Getting from place to place is all about utilizing this service that is best around your schedule to fit theirs.  

However, in the shuffle, a lot of manners are missed when so many people are just moving to get on, get off, catch the transfer or snag a seat that we forget some of the basics when it comes to respecting each other to make this experience more pleasant for everyone.  So lets take a step back and remind ourselves what and why some of these things are important to help make our experience a pleasant one. 

Simple

Music volume.  We all love music.  It’s great to sing to, dance to, reminisce on the days of old, and right there to create memories of tomorrow.  There are many different genre’s, and there is nothing like it to get you going in the morning, or help you relax after a hard day’s work.  

However, we all like different things, so when on the subway, bus or train, turn your music down, and leave the singing to the artist for now.  It’s understandable that when the beat hits, the words just come out sometimes, but to be honest, you hit that note best in the shower and not out of it.  This goes from country music, to r&B, pop and our old great favorite hip-hop. 

Someone riding with you may want to sleep or just rest, and your beats aren’t helping that at all.  A good indication is that someone is looking right at you when you are listening and or sing too loud.  Don’t you worry, you will be back on the street, or at home soon enough where you can sing to your heart’s content.  However, in the process, you will gain a lot more respect.

Sophisticated

Cell phones.  Most people feel they cannot live without their cell phones.  If you lose your keys or your cell phone, most people will look for their cell phone first.  Amazing isn't it?  Yet its understandable because so much is now connected to it.  So it is expected for you to be on it, while commuting using public transportation.  

Yet, we don't need to know when it goes off all the time.  So watch the volume of the ring tone.  I’m sure you will hear it, and if you are not to sure, turn it to vibrate.  I know you should feel that something moving around in your purse or pants leg.  If you do need to have the volume up, please be cautious of the ringtone?  

Talking about booty and ho’s is all your thing and we are not nor should we judge the music, however there are ladies and sometimes children around.  We should respect them enough to subject them to such things without their consent.  I fully believe in freedom of speech, but that also come with a responsibility to respect.  Lastly, if you are on the phone, we all don't need to know your conversation in full detail.  So if you are on one end of the subway, train, or bus, and we can hear you on the other side, then its too loud.  Be careful, because your outside voice could put you outside.

Classic

Giving up your seat.  This simply is the easiest yet most passed up act of kindness that is ignored. It is understandable that you are tired, and have a long day.  The best thing for a bit of time, especially if you have been on your feet all day is to just sit.  There are people, who have done this far longer than us, our elders.  They have worked many more years, and considering the past, in much harsher conditions, so they earned the right to sit down after a hard days work.  Remember, that could be your mom, dad, your wife in the future or even you, so stand a bit longer for that person who is past your years.  

Additionally someone who is handicapped, whether it is temporarily or permanently, give up your seat.  They have a much more difficult time, depending on the handicap, moving around so be nice and let them sit.  Moreover, a gentleman will give up his seat for a woman.  Some are probably thinking, well we are in an age where women want to be equal, and want to be treated as such, so they can stand just like myself.  This is true.  Women are strong and in the last 20 years have made more positive progress than men.  

Additionally they fared better in the recession than men, however, women are the mother to our children, our companions and ultimate support system, so take the time and show her a small gesture of appreciation and let her sit in your seat.  She and everyone else will appreciate it, and after you will feel good because karma will circle in your favor.