Taking the MRT or LRT every day is already stressful enough. The last thing commuters need is to deal with unnecessary chaos caused by poor train etiquette. Whether you're rushing to work, heading home after a long day, or just trying to survive peak-hour crowds, a little consideration can make public transport much more bearable for everyone.
Here are a few friendly reminders every train user should honestly know by now.
Let People Exit First
Please the train is not leaving without you in 0.2 seconds. Standing directly in front of the door like a human barricade helps nobody. The faster passengers exit, the faster everyone else can enter. Its basic train logic.
Move Inside The Train
Don't camp near the door like its premium seating. There's usually plenty of empty space further inside, but somehow everyone insists on crowding the entrance. Moving in helps others board smoothly and prevents unnecessary bottlenecks.
Use Earphones
Nobody signed up for a free concert during their morning commute. Please use earphones instead of blasting:
1. TikToks
2. Drama scenes
3. Football commentary
4. Speakerphone calls
The entire train does not need to hear your audio choices at 8am.
Don't Block The Escalator
Left side = walking lane.
If you want to stand still, move aside and let others pass. Some commuters are one missed train away from losing their sanity, and blocking the escalator only makes things worse.
Your Bag Is Taking Up Space
Your bag does not need its own seat. If the train is crowded, place it on your lap, on the floor, or hold it close to you. One extra seat can make a huge difference during peak hours.
Stop Eating Inside
A small snack might seem harmless if you're starving, but too often food and drink end up spilled on the floor, leaving the train sticky and uncomfortable for everyone else. Hold onto your meal until you reach your destination if possible.
Wear Deodorant
Please. Public transport already means being packed together shoulder-to-shoulder. The last thing anyone wants during a crowded commute is dealing with severe body odour. A little deodorant goes a long way.
Priority Seats Etiquette
Priority seats are not reserved only for elderly passengers. They are also meant for people who are pregnant, injured, unwell, disabled, or living with invisible conditions. Sometimes you may not immediately see why someone needs the seat more than you. A little empathy and awareness can make commuting kinder for everyone.
Let People Off Before Rushing In
Yes, this deserves repeating.
The faster passengers get off the train, the faster you can board. Trying to squeeze your way in before people exit only slows everything down and creates unnecessary frustration.
At the end of the day, using public transport means sharing space with hundreds of other people. A little patience, awareness, and basic courtesy can make the MRT and LRT experience much smoother for everyone involved.
