The Do's & Don'ts of Commuting
I am one of many who take on the commute into London. Whether it’s driving, jumping on the train or catching the coach; everyone knows it’s an uncomfortable and boring experience.
For those of you who have never had to face our death-breath in the mornings... you aren’t missing a lot.
So what causes a return trip to London to be so unpleasant…
Our fellow passengers and their failure to use 24 hour deodorant?
The refreshment man who manages to steer his trolley straight into your elbow?
The automatic toilet door that mysteriously opens as you are mid-wee? (Even though you are certain you pressed ‘Lock’)
The coach door, that swings open just an inch from your face – surely they should have a warning sign about these!
Or maybe The Transport Companies themselves for ‘seeing how many humans we can pack into a giant tin can’?
I’m not sure myself, but hopefully my Do’s and Don’ts list will help us to have a nicer trip to work.
Do remember your P’s and Q’s when using public transport
- Because frankly there are not enough people that do
Do have your arm rest down
- If you don’t, the distance between you and the next passenger becomes very awkward and they might take this as an invite to use your shoulder as a dribble-catcher.
Do have your ticket ready for when the conductor requests it
- There’s nothing worse than the pressure of trying to find it while he/she stands and waits.
Do have your ticket ready when you reach the gates at the train station
- Unless of course you want a giant human back-pack
Don’t sleep with your mouth ajar
- I’m convinced the people sitting opposite attempt to get things in my open mouth. I’ve been woken up before and looked down to see a Skittle on my lap – very embarrassing but half-glad they missed and I didn’t choke to death on a kiddie sweet.
Don’t sit on the seat near the toilet
-1) because it smells and 2) see the point I made earlier about the door… no one wants to witness that
Don’t wait right in front of the train doors as it pulls into the station just so you can nab the first seat
- Its very annoying … you know who you are
Don’t text or email a private message whilst on public transport
- There is ALWAYS someone reading over your shoulder. I once discovered the naughty antics of an elderly man just by peeking at his emails, if only I could hunt his wife down on facebook and let her know. Hmm….
Don’t eat smelly food
-Afternoon coffee breath is bad enough on the train home; we don’t need cheese and onion crisps added to the mix.
Don't choose the seat above the wheels on the coach
-The seat itself doesn't supply much leg room and is slightly higher than the rest. Plus you feel every lump and bump of the London & Medway roads. Not good for travel sickness sufferers.
So there are the basics for you, which I will be updating. If you catch anyone on your morning or evening commute do-ing or don’t-ing any of these…. Give them the link to my blog!
Thanks for reading, Happy Commuting!
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