Commuter Train Etiquette

I take the commuter train to work everyday (well almost everyday) and it never fails that people just don't understand their responsibilities as a commuter train rider.

So here are the rules - they are simple and easy to follow.

When Getting On:
1.) As the train is approaching, do not move from your spot on the platform as the trains are unpredictable in where they stop.
2.) As the train comes to a stop, do not immediately crowd around the door as you must allow the arriving passengers to get off the train before boarding begins.
3.) If you are standing in a crowd to board, it is important to alternate areas that people of approaching from. One from this line, then one from this line and so forth and so on.
4.) Never board one car just because it has a shorter line and then change your mind at the top of the steps and cross over to the other car that has a line of people waiting to board it.
5.) Take the farthest seat available to allow for quicker boarding - airlines have been boarding this way for years for a reason.
6.) If there are no more seats available, move all the way in; do not stand at the door way. If there is room to move in, move in further to make room for other passengers.

When Getting Off:
1.) Always wait until the train has come to a complete stop before getting up. This is not only right, it is also for your own protection. This one is especially important if you are sitting on the inside seat (see rule #2)
2.) If you are sitting on the inside seat, inquire as to weather the other person or people are getting off at your stop. If they are, be patient remember they are getting off too. If they are not, politely let them know that you need to get up but not until the train has stopped and there is room in the aisle for them to step out of your way.
3.) If you are not getting off the train and are sitting in the aisle, kindly lean in a little so that people can more easily get by. Plus you don't want to get whacked in the head with a bag (or a hand)
4.) File out row by row. There is no need for the person in the back of the train to exit before the person nearest the door. I don't understand why people can get this right on an airplane but on the train it gets all messed up.

During travel:
1.) Do not use your cell phone. If you must make a phone call, please use your inside voice; the rest of us could careless about what Tammy did during lunch or what your meeting with your client. The person on the other end typically has a volume control on their phone - they can hear you!
2.) If the person you are sitting next to is reading, by god, let them read. Do not try to engage in conversation.
3.) Do not eat anything that has a strong aroma. The rest of us are hungry too and you are just making it worse. Try to finish before boarding.
4.) If you are listening to headphones, keep the volume at a normal level. There is no need for me, 5 rows away or even across the aisle, to be able to hear your music. If I can hear it, not only am I annoyed that I have to listen to your music genre, whatever it may be, but I also feel sorry for you cause you are just ruining your own hearing.
5.) If the train is crowded, go ahead and scoot over and make room in your seat for another person. We'd all like to be able to sit down.

Basically, it all really comes back to the golden rule: Treat others as you want them to treat you. None of us are really happy to be stuck on the train so why make it more miserable than it already is. By just being a little bit considerate of the people around us, maybe we can all arrive at work with a smile instead of our normal morning scowls.