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People Bus Seats Etiquette Generally Sit Reading Schedule

Id ESLPod_0606_CN
Episode Id ESLPod 606
Episode Title Reading a Bus Schedule
Title Reading a Bus Schedule
Text

People who ride buses, trains, and subways in the United States should be aware of the expected "etiquette" (polite ways of behaving).

Some of the rules of etiquette are written on the walls of the stops and vehicles. For example, many signs "remind" (help someone remember) people to "surrender" (give to someone else) their seat to "the elderly" (old people), "disabled" (handicapped; with physical problems) individuals, and pregnant women. Certain seats near the doors are usually "reserved for" (set aside for; intended for) these people, but if those seats are full, then people sitting anywhere in the bus should surrender their seat as needed.

Other signs remind people to "refrain from" (not do; avoid) eating, drinking, smoking, listening to loud music, talking loudly, or using a cell phone if it "disturbs" (annoys or troubles) other passengers. Animals are generally not allowed on buses, trains, and subways unless they are "service dogs" (dogs that help blind people).

One of the "unwritten" (not stated in writing, but generally understood) rules of etiquette is to leave empty seats between people whenever possible. For example, on a bus where seats are in "pairs" (groups of two), riders will generally sit alone in each row. As the bus continues to fill and there aren't enough seats for everyone to sit alone, riders begin to sit next to "strangers" (unknown people), but this is almost never their first choice.

Another "unwritten" rule of etiquette on "public transportation" (transportation shared by many people) is to keep one's "personal belongings" (the things one brings on a ride) near one's body. It is important to keep jackets, bags, and packages out of the "aisle" (the area where people walk). It would also be "rude" (not polite; inappropriate) to place personal belongings on an empty seat in a full bus.

Topics Transportation | Travel

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