Traveling can be tough. But whether you’re going by bus, train, or airplane, we have some tips for being crammed up against other passengers for several hours without going insane.
No matter what the mode of transportation, riding in close quarters with people you don’t know can be stressful. What if you need help? Should you help someone else? When should you give up your seat? And what about that guy next to you who won’t shut up about Keynesian economics? But have no fear! We’ll answer these questions and more, and maybe even show you how to enjoy public transport a little bit.
First, be prepared.
This may seem obvious, but a little prior research into whatever system you’re traveling on can go a long way. Buses especially can be confusing, as drivers don’t always announce the stops, and sometimes skip stops if you don’t request them. But no matter how you’re traveling, if you have some idea of the route and schedule, you’ll be less stressed and more able to roll with whatever challenges present themselves. I spoke with Darrin Nordahl, author of My Kind of Transit: Rethinking Public Transportation in America, who says a little prior research is especially key when traveling abroad:
The best advice is to plan ahead. Get to know the names of the stops and stations of the places you want to visit before you travel. Buy a day or multi-day transit pass, so you don’t have to worry about exact fares.
This is true if you’re visiting a new city within your home country too — every system is different, and knowing a little bit about the one you’re on will help you have a more pleasant experience.
Next, be considerate.
Okay, to the seat question! Whether to give up your seat to somebody else on the bus or train isn’t just a matter of whether or not you have to stand — it’s also a miniature social minefield. Who should stand up for whom? When should you assume someone else needs a seat? What if they get offended? Carla Saulter, who writes the Bus Chick blog, offers a simple rule: “you should get up for someone who looks like they need a seat more than you do.” This could include the elderly, people with disabilities, or just people who have a lot to carry. As far as giving up your seat for someone who appears pregnant — given that she might not be — Saulter advises, “You don’t necessarily have to say, ‘wow, you’re in the family way, can I give you my seat?’ You might just say, ‘do you want to sit down?'”
Consideration also applies if someone looks sick — Saulter suggests that if a person seems in distress, “You could just say, ‘are you okay, can I call someone for you?’ — anything you would do in any public space, […] anything you can do to humanize the experience and treat your fellow human beings like fellow human beings.” In more serious situations, you could offer to talk to the driver — or in an emergency, alert the appropriate services.
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