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Public Transport Is Not Private Space
๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡พ Malaysia /Energy & Infrastructure

Public Transport Is Not Private Space

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Opinion Sources not specified Context piece
  • Passengers on public transport are often inconsiderate, with common issues including loud phone calls and playing videos without headphones.
  • Some passengers occupy extra seats with bags, while others block doorways, causing inconvenience to others.
  • Maintaining basic etiquette, such as lowering volume and being mindful of space, can significantly improve the shared travel experience.

Riding public transport like trains and buses should be a smooth and comfortable experience. However, in the rush to get places, some passengers seem to forget they are sharing space with others. A frequent annoyance is watching videos at loud volumes without headphones.

Not everyone wants to listen to what you're watching, especially on crowded trains or buses. If you're not using earphones, at least lower the volume. Public transport is not a mobile cinema. Similarly, when boarding, some passengers push their way in without regard for queues, even when others have been waiting. It's a simple courtesy to let passengers exit before boarding.

Then there are those who treat a seat as their personal property, placing bags beside them even when many passengers are standing. They might pretend not to notice or deliberately leave their bags there. If a seat is empty and someone needs it, move your bag. It's a small gesture that means a lot.

Many also talk on their phones at such high volumes that the entire carriage can hear their conversations. While urgent matters may arise, speaking at a moderate tone is not too much to ask. Perhaps the most trying behavior is when passengers stand or sit directly in front of the doors, refusing to move when others need to enter. It's even more frustrating when there's ample space inside the carriage, but they remain stationary.

Sometimes, we become so engrossed in our own world that we forget about those around us. Maintaining good manners on public transport doesn't require great effort. Lower your voice, queue properly, offer seats to those in need, and move aside if you're blocking a pathway. These might seem like minor things, but this mutual consideration can make everyone's journey more pleasant. After all, we all want to reach our destinations calmly, not with frustration.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.