Personally, I adore public transport. It’s environmentally friendly, cheap, and gets you where you need to be without having to deal with traffic jams and other drivers. However, this enjoyment is often overshadowed by fellow passengers who seem to forget that they’re in a public place and not their own living room. Loud talking on the phone, videos blasted on full volume, unsolicited coughing, and shoving sometimes make me want to take my eyes out after a long day at work.
Anyone who has stepped foot on public transport probably knows this pain all too well. At least, it looks like it from all the photos our team at Bored Panda managed to find where passengers are acting like complete nuisances. Below you’ll find a whole list of the most frustrating commuters' behaviors, proving that common decency needs to be more common.
While you're scrolling, make sure to check out a conversation with etiquette and diplomatic protocol consultant, founder of Manners with Kristina and author of Elevate Your Presence, Kristina Szabova, and etiquette expert and founder of Etiquette Consulting Inc., Jules Martinez Hirst, who kindly agreed to discuss with us public transport etiquette.
#1 This Bloke Putting His Filthy Shoes On The Train Seat, Blasting Netflix At Full Volume And Vaping
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#2 This Guy Was Shaving His Legs On The Train
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#3 This Dude And His Girlfriend Blasting Tiktoks At Full Blast On A 3 Hour Train Ride
My wife and I are on our honeymoon in Italy and the jet lag has basically ruined our sleep schedule. No worries, we’ll just sleep on the train, right? Nope! Instead, we get to listen to hours of shitty TikTok audio courtesy of two apparently socially challenged, self-centered teens. When did it become okay to blast your phone while the people around you are clearly trying to sleep?
Image credits: cbn11
"Impolite behaviors on public transport often arise because people are absorbed in their own world—running late, rushing to work, or simply zoning out," explains etiquette and diplomatic protocol consultant, founder of Manners with Kristina and author of Elevate Your Presence, Kristina Szabova.
"It’s common to see commuters blocking train doors, not letting others off first, or taking up extra space during peak hours. I believe that in most cases, these actions aren't intentionally rude but it's more a case of being unaware of how small actions can inconvenience others."
#4 Blasting Her Christian Music Through The Whole Train. Cause She Likes It
People tried to talk to her, but then she even started chanting. „Everyone should listen to this! Jesus is the only true god! He is our saviour!“ and so on… Religious people like this are ridiculous.
Image credits: TheCarljey
#5 I Know It’s Not Technically Illegal But I Strongly Feel That The Man Who Sat In Front Of Me On The Train And Ate Seven Carrots And A Load Of Green Beans Then Left The Compost Needs Locking Up
Image credits: SpikeVonLipwig
#6 Woman Doesn't Let Pregnant Lady Sit On The Bus
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While living in London, she has seen plenty of such ignorant commuter behaviors herself.
"Living in London and often traveling during rush hour on the Tube, I’ve seen my fair share of questionable behaviors—people doing their makeup, clipping nails, spraying perfume, eating food with overpowering smells, playing music without headphones, and even leaving behind empty bottles or rubbish. These moments often highlight how easy it is to prioritise our own convenience over being considerate of others in shared spaces."
#7 These Girls Taking Up 2 Seats Each While Other People Have To Stand
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#8 Smoking On The Bus
Image credits: Klutzy_Fool
#9 People Who Stick Gum In Charing Ports On Public Transport
Image credits: BebopRehab
Etiquette expert and founder of Etiquette Consulting Inc., Jules Martinez Hirst, agrees that we can be absorbed in our own little worlds. That's why we often forget to be mindful of others.
She also notes that we can be less tolerant of questionable behaviors on public transport, as busy schedules and crowded spaces can cause people to run out of patience.
"The riders of public transportation make up a wide demographic of people. Although different in makeup, they all commute in crowded spaces with crazy schedules and little to no personal space, so it is easy for people to snap at the littlest thing," she says.
#10 Preventing Others From Holding The Pole
Busy commute to work and this woman is leaning against the pole, on her phone, taking up as much room as possible preventing people from getting on the train while leaning on my hand the entire commute.
She turned around and angrily stared at me like I was invading her personal space. The entitlement is simply incredible to witness
Image credits: TigerRaiders
#11 People Hoping To Skip Queues By Standing Like This And Trying To Slip In
Image credits: MellOhCee
#12 If You Do This, Especially With People Sitting In Front Of You, You Are An Absolute Twat
Image credits: IsabellaWarfield
According to etiquette experts, behaviors that are unacceptable on public transportation include:
- Playing music or videos without headphones.
- Having loud conversations, whether in person or over the phone.
- Occupying extra seats with bags during busy times.
- Eating smelly or messy food.
- Grooming like brushing hair or clipping nails.
- Ignoring priority seating for those who genuinely need it.
- Leaving behind litter or empty bottles.
#13 Person Leaves Sunflower Seed Shells All Over Bus Floor. Some People Are So Disrespectful
Image credits: Lostinmyhead99
#14 Just Opened My Redbull And Took One Sip On The Mbta Bus Before This Lady Sat Down In Front Of Me And Whipped Her Hair Over The Headrest Causing Pieces Of Either Crispy Hair Or Dried Hair Product To Fall Right Into The Opening... Now Holding This Full Can Until I Get To A Bin
Image credits: KissTheChef1
#15 Someone Put Cream On The Seat At The Bus Stop
Image credits: Sijtsegen
"It’s important to remember that public transport is a shared space, and it reflects how you present yourself to others," says Szabova. "While you might argue that doing your makeup isn’t inconveniencing anyone, ask yourself—would you do your makeup in front of your boss? It’s not just about the act itself but the impression it leaves on those around you. How you behave in public spaces speaks volumes about you, so be considerate, respectful, and mindful of the shared environment."
#16 That No One Can Sit Next To U In A Full Bus
Image credits: uNICORN117013
#17 The Girl In Front Of Me Refused To Close Her Window While It Was Pouring Rain
So I was on a ride home from school on the bus, and it was pouring rain. So what does the girl in front of me do? Open her window. I asked her multiple times nicely if she could close it, to which she refused. At this point, I was soaked, and frustrated, so I closed the window. Guess what she does? Opens it back up, so the water continues to hit me.
Image credits: Nighthouler1234
#18 Acting Like This On A Morning Commuter Train Full Of People
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If a person sees fellow passengers violating any of these recommended rules, etiquette experts advise, addressing it, but of course, with caution, grace, tact, and kindness.
"For example, if someone is blocking a seat, you could politely ask, “Excuse me, is this seat taken?” instead of pointing out their lack of manners," says Szabova.
"I recall a moment on a quiet bus when a man was playing music loudly without headphones. Another passenger leaned over and said with a smile, “I love that song, but could you turn it down a little? Some of us are trying to relax.” The man smiled back, apologised, and put on his headphones—it was a perfect example of how kindness can defuse a situation," she shared.
#19 Previous Passenger Left An Imprint On My Seat
Image credits: MorriCC
#20 Stood Up For 2 Mins And The Lady Next To Me Put Her Bag In My Seat
On the train and I finished a chapter in my book and got up to put the book in my bag that was on the storage rack (I didn't have time to finish another chapter before we got to my station) and came back and the lady had put her bag in my seat.
Image credits: Fearless-1265
#21 Sleeping In The Stairwell. Couldnt Get Off At My Stop. Yay Highschool
Image credits: reddit.com
In case someone ignores such requests or becomes aggressive, experts recommend avoiding escalating the situation by involving transport staff or letting it go completely.
"Remember that everyone is already stressed and on edge so you want to avoid escalating the situation," says Hirst. "Be polite but assertive. A simple polite request can go a long way to solving the problem. When in doubt, lead by example. If commuters are not giving up their seats, then you can offer up your seat, and hopefully, you will inspire others to do the same."
#22 Music Aficionado Sharing His Music On The Bus With Everyone
Image credits: drawnandcoded
#23 She Is Tying A Random Persons Hair To The Bus Rail
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#24 Full Train And This Guy
Image credits: matt12a
To ensure a pleasant commute for everyone, etiquette experts provide a few rules that public transport passengers should stick to:
- Keep quiet—use headphones or speak softly during your phone calls.
- Respect personal space—try not to bump, lean, or push others.
- Share the space—your one fare entitles you to one seat. Do not take up more than that.
- Be considerate—cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow so as not to spread germs.
- Follow the rules—pay your fare and wait your turn to board.
- Let others off first—mind the doors and allow passengers to disembark before boarding.
- Leave personal grooming to the privacy of the bathroom—light touch-ups, like reapplying lipstick or fixing your hair, are fine if done discreetly, but anything more should be reserved for a private space.
#25 I Had To Get Up And Change Seats Because These Scum Bags Decided To Start Smoking Next To Me. Not Only That, But They Kicked Leftover Food Under Their Seats And Spill Their Drinks All Over The Floor. This Type Of Stuff Happens Every Day On The Train
Image credits: ChicagoChurro
#26 Girls Play Music And Sing Along Very Loudly, Then Get Off The Bus Leaving This Behind
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#27 The Guy Sitting Across From Me On The Bus
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"A little kindness and self-awareness can make all the difference. Whether it’s offering a smile, helping someone with heavy luggage, or saying “thank you” to the driver, these small gestures can transform a busy, chaotic commute into a more pleasant experience for everyone. After all, how we behave in shared spaces reflects not just our manners but also our respect for one another," says Szabova.
"Gratitude and kindness go a long way," agrees Hirst. "Thank people or give a nod when someone gives you their seat or helps you with your bag to show you appreciate their gesture. A little thoughtfulness can make public transportation better for everyone."
#28 This Woman Taking Up 8 Seats With Her Stuff On A Full Train
Image credits: JustAnInternetPerson
#29 The Way The Guy Next To Me Is Sitting
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#30 He Tried To Use My Foot As A Pillow
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#31 Just Chilling On The Train
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#32 This Guy Taking Up Three Seats On The Bus While Watching A Movie Without Headphones
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#33 Continuing To Play A Loud Video On The Bus With No Headphones Even After Asking Her To Stop
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#34 She Also Attended A Half Hour Work Meeting Without Earphones
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#35 Going The Extra Mile To Not Touch The Handrail With His Hand
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#36 This Woman Who Thinks It's Appropriate To Use A Seat On The T For Her Shopping Bags
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#37 Start To Wonder Why The Train Carriage Is Starting To Smell, Glance Over And Shoes Are On The Floor And Gammy Feet Are On The Seat. Gotta Love British Rail
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#38 On A Public Bus.. That Is Absolutely Disgusting
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#39 Disturbing Everyone On The Train
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#40 Some Jerk Just Spilled His Beer All Over Me On The Bus
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#41 Smelt Cigarettes Coming From Someone On My Bus, First Thought They Were Smoking. Turns Out They Were Trashing My Bus. They're A Regular On The Service And I Will Be Calling Them Out On It When They Next Get On. Made The Bus Smell For The Duration Of The Route But I Did Clean It Up When I Got Back
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#42 Good Night
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#43 Trying To Sleep On A Long Bus Ride And This Person Has Their Phone On Full Brightness
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#44 Bringing Your “Service Animal” Duck In The Train So You Can Sit On The Disabled Seating
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#45 Full Bus But The Bag Needs A Seat
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#46 Corona Ain’t Gonna Get Her 200iq
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#47 Subway Pimple Popper
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#48 In A Crowded Bus Back To Campus And This Guy Decides He Needs His Space
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#49 Pos (To The Right) Blocks A Handicap Section Of A Metropolitan Train With Their Bicycle
Image credits: reddit.com
#50 Boomer Refuses To Give Up Extra Seat On A Packed Rush-Hour Train Because His Bag Is Using It. Then Puts On Fox News With No Headphones. Gotta Get Those Feet Up On It
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