The unspoken rules of public transport in Australia

of public transport 🚌

 If you're new to Australia or you're simply visiting, you may not be aware of the unspoken rules of public transport.

Don't worry, we're here to help! In this article, your mates at Uptown Pokies will discuss the dos and don'ts of using public transport in Australia, whether you’re on a bus, a tram, a train or a ferry.

So sit back, relax and take notes!

If you speak loudly on your phone, you will be kicked off

Loud talkers. Is there anything worse on public transport? We think not.

In fact, talking loudly on the phone or Facetiming with a hearing-impaired friend or family member is a sure way to get kicked off public transport in Australia. Or at the very least you'll be given the death stare by everyone around you. So please, be considerate of your fellow commuters and keep your voice down. Signed: the people who heard every lurid detail about your night out.

Feet on the seat? That's a no-no

One of the main things to keep in mind when using public transport is that you're sharing the space with other people.

This means you need to be respectful of your fellow passengers, and putting your feet on the seat is a sure fire way to annoy them. This goes for everyone, whether your shoes are brand new or they look like they're older than time itself.

Nobody wants to see your feet, and nobody wants to sit in a seat that's been covered in who-knows-what. So please, keep your feet on the floor. Otherwise, you may just end up walking to work.

Try waiting for people to disembark before piling on

If the signs plastered everywhere in public transport terminals aren't enough, then we're here to tell you that good public transport etiquette involves waiting for people to get off before you try to get on.

We know, we know. It's so hard when you're running late and see an empty seat right in front of you. But that's just how it works here in Australia. Be patient and wait your turn like everyone else. And if you do miss out on a seat or your favourite window spot, don't stress.

At least you made it on the bus, train, tram or ferry - that's half the battle.

Don't sit next to someone if there are plenty of seats

Please, please, for the love of God PLEASE don't be the person who sits on the same seat as someone else if there are heaps of other spare seats.

It's creepy, unnerving and most of all unnecessary. Seriously, why would you crowd someone when there's so much space to move around? Not to be paranoid but the answer to this question is rarely good. This goes double if you're susceptible to bad BO or you're a loud talker.

If this happens to you, don't be afraid to ask the question, "Why are you up in my business"? The few other passengers are sure to back you up because nobody likes a creeper on public transport.

Smoking on the train will get you murdered

Do you remember the days when smoking on a plane or public transport was totally fine? Yep, neither do we.

The reason being that this type of behaviour was deemed unhealthy, incredibly rude and anti-social, so much so that there are now laws in place to prevent people from doing it. To be honest, we wish we didn't even have to mention this one, but alas, there are still punters out there who think it's okay.

Newsflash: it ain't and we're pretty sure people have "disappeared" for less. So if you're even thinking about lighting a cigarette on public transport, here's a word of warning - you better be willing to incur the wrath of your fellow commuters.

We're not saying you'll get murdered, but your day will be a whole lot worse.

Feel free to thank the bus/tram driver

Australians are a polite bunch and we like to say thank you. So, if you're on a bus or tram in Australia, make sure you thank the driver when you get off.

Not only will you make their day, but you'll also make yourself feel good. Besides, you never know when the moment will come when you're running late or you forget your ticket, only for that same driver you've been thanking for weeks to repay your kindness.

Don't stare

Finally, don't stare. Just don't do it.

This is one of the creepiest things you can do on Australian public transport. Even more creepy than sitting next to someone when there are heaps of available seats. So please, keep your eyes on your smartphone like a normal person. All the introverts will appreciate it.

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