A polite guide to catching the train
The return of the Gawler Central train after 18 months out of commission has brought relief to public transport users in northern Adelaide.
However, after such a long lay-off, it seems some people have forgotten about simple etiquette on their daily commute. Or maybe they just don’t care? Either way, it’s time for a refresher course.
There’s no-one better to drop this knowledge than a public transport veteran who first started catching trains when conductors hole-punched paper tickets and Redhens ruled the railway lines. Yep – I’ve seen some stuff over the years.
Seat hogs
Feet up, legs stretched and lounging all over the place. It might sound like someone kicking back at home in front of the TV, but I’ve seen this behaviour many times on the train.
Rule number one: take your feet off the seat. But let’s not forget about those who love to plonk their bags on the spare seat next to them. That brings us to rule number two: put your bag on your lap, or place it on the floor by your feet.
Let’s also spare a thought for the passengers standing in the carriage swaying back and forth, trying to keep their balance as the train rollicks from one station to the next.
Here’s a tagline we’re coining: seats are for cheeks, especially during peak hour. It also wouldn’t hurt to give up your seat for people who might need it more than you.
On the topic of hogging seats, if you’re travelling with your bicycle, don’t rest it against priority seating reserved for people who might need it. Like the bold red sign above the seat says: ‘Not all disabilities are visible.’
And don’t get us started on the passengers who sit on the aisle seat when the window seat is free. Don’t be that person.
Keep it down
Live music was sorely missed during the pandemic. It was right up there with toilet paper. Now gigs are back and everyone’s making up for lost time – just don’t rock out on the train. Leave that for the dancefloor.
Firstly, not everyone shares the same taste in music. One person’s sonic masterpiece can be nails on a blackboard to someone else. Sorry, but I really don’t want to hear growling death metal at eardrum-bursting decibels (or any volume, for that matter).
How would you like it if I cranked up my 80s one-hit wonders?
Headphones and ear pods are your best friend (and mine). Pop them in and bob your head to your favourite tracks without disturbing anyone. Oh, and maybe singalong in your head – not out loud.
The same deal goes with mobile phones. No-one really wants to hear public displays of affection or arguments about the in-laws coming to stay.
Then there’s the overheard complaints to the supermarket about being overcharged 20 cents on your shopping bill (yes, believe it or not, these are real-life examples).
Block and charge
Every morning, there are hundreds of free seats on my train. However, there’s one passenger who always stands for the duration of their journey.
That’s okay – it’s their choice. It wouldn’t be a problem… if they didn’t stand right in front of the doors, blocking the only entry and exit point for commuters.
It creates a whole new problem when the train pulls into a station and someone on the platform is waiting to enter the carriage doors.
As soon as the doors open, the stampede starts with passengers bumping and crashing into fellow commuters. It’s even more dangerous if they’re lugging something.
Last week one passenger almost took me out with a heavy-duty multi-terrain folding shopping trolley. They didn’t even say sorry. Rude!
Mask up
Flashback to when substitute buses filled in for trains on the Gawler Central line and a police officer boarded at Mawson Lakes to do a mask inspection check – there were a few passengers up the back not wearing one.
The passengers on the bus that day at Mawson Lakes were lucky. The police officer let them off with a warning. She also made them put on a mask.
Like it or not, face masks must be worn on public transport. It’s a legal requirement – unless you have an exemption. Failure to comply could see you handed a $1090 fine.
Just think: you could buy a car with that sort of money.
Masks should also be worn while waiting at stations or passing through in transit. Bonus: masks help keep your face warm during this bitter Arctic winter.
Safety first
Bells ring! Lights flash! Boomgates lower! Automated safety gates swing shut! It’s almost impossible not to know when a train approaches my station. Thanks railway crossing at the end of the platform.
These are known as active crossings. However, some suburban stations are passive crossings that aren’t equipped with so many safety features. Here, vigilance is key.
Remember, electric trains are quieter than their diesel forerunners. If you can’t hear a train, you might not see it. This can be challenging for the sight and/or hearing impaired.
Remember that trains can approach from both directions so before crossing always check both ways.
Along with being courteous, it’s just as important to be safe on public transport. Keep an eye out and your ears open for any trains. Take care of yourself and fellow passengers.