If you're new to Vancouver, or even if you've been living here for a while, there are a few things you need to know about transit etiquette.
There are a lot of people who take the bus and train here, and it can be pretty crowded during rush hour. So it's essential to be respectful and mindful of your fellow commuters.
On Board the Bus or Train
As newcomers to Vancouver, we are often unsure of the appropriate transit etiquette. Should we let people exit the bus or train before boarding? How do we know when it's time to get off?
Thankfully, we were able to get some advice from the locals. It turns out that letting people exit before boarding is the key to efficiency and courteous to others. This way, people aren't crowded at the door, and everyone can exit quickly and easily when it's their stop.
And when is it time to get off? Just keep an eye out for the stop announcements and make sure you're ready to exit when your stop is called.
Escalator Etiquette
When it comes to transit etiquette in Vancouver, an important thing to remember is escalator etiquette!
Here are a few tips to keep the flow of traffic moving:
- Step on and off the escalator on the right side. This allows people to walk on the left side and keeps the flow of traffic moving.
- Keep your belongings close to you and do not obstruct the path of other passengers.
- If someone is standing on the left and you need to go through, simply say, "on your left".
Making Space for Those With Accessibility Needs
As able-bodied individuals, we must be mindful of those with accessibility needs and do what we can to make their lives easier. That's why, when it comes to transit etiquette in Vancouver, one of the most important things to remember is to make space for those with accessibility needs.
Whether it's giving up your seat on the bus or SkyTrain for someone who needs it, or making sure you're not blocking the aisle on the bus so that someone in a wheelchair can get by. It's always important to be aware of those around you and do what you can to help.
Of course, we all have bad days, and sometimes, we accidentally forget or don't see someone who needs our help. If that happens, the best thing to do is the famous Canadian 'sorry' and try to do better next time. We're all in this together, after all!
Just remember to check for the symbols associated with some seats that indicate they are for priority seating. It will look something like this Picture of priority seating transit.
Saying Thank You and Using Good Manners on Public Transit
One of the most important things to remember when using public transit in Vancouver is to say thank you and use good manners. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's actually really important!
When you're on a bus, SkyTrain, or any other form of public transit, it's essential to be respectful of other people's space. That means not talking loudly, not putting your feet on seats, and not taking up more space than you need. It also means being polite and saying please and thank you to the driver or other transit employees.
Using good manners seems like a small thing, but it goes a long way in making everyone's transit experience more pleasant. So next time you're riding the bus remember to thank the driver when getting off the bus. If you are feeling cheerful, you can even say 'Hi' or 'Good morning/afternoon/evening' when getting on the bus 😀
Extra tips
Here are a few extra tips to help you get to your destination feeling good:
- Make sure you have your fare or compass card ready before you get on the bus or train
- Keep your music and phone conversations at a low volume
- If you have to sneeze or cough, do so into your elbow
- Use the washroom before heading out. There are no public washrooms on most transit and in stations.
- Drinking or eating on transit vehicles is prohibited, except for water, of course.
Living in a city with efficient public transportation comes with its own set of rules and manners that, once understood, can make everyone's commute more pleasant. This article outlines some of the most important things to remember when using buses, trains, and escalators in Vancouver. We hope that by following these guidelines, everyone can keep Vancouver's public transportation running smoothly!
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