The Rudest Things You Can Do On A Train

Summer travel season is well underway, which means a lot of people are taking trains. Although some parts of the U.S. have solid train infrastructure, many Americans do not regularly take the train, so when they travel abroad, they aren’t as familiar with the procedures and expectations. This can lead to stress, confusion and plenty of faux pas.

“Train etiquette, much like any other form of public transportation, has a set of standards to make everyone’s ride easier and more enjoyable,” said Diane Gottsman, the author of “Modern Etiquette for a Better Life” and founder of The Protocol School of Texas.

To make the experience more pleasant for all passengers, HuffPost asked Gottsman and other etiquette experts to share some common rude behaviors seen on trains and how to avoid these etiquette mistakes.

“Be sure to allow passengers OFF the train before attempting to board yourself,” urged Jodi R.R. Smith, president of Massachusetts-based Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting.

Step aside and wait until people have exited before you enter the train. Once on board, move away from the doors so that you don’t block others from entering or exiting. Practice the same consideration when it’s your turn to get off the train.

“When exiting the train, be patient and respectful,” said Jackie Vernon-Thompson, founder of From the Inside-Out School of Etiquette. “Allow those closest to the door to exit and you follow suit depending on where you are.”

When in doubt, try to follow the example of experienced passengers.

“If you do not ride this train frequently, watch what others are doing,” Smith said. “Even on the same line, stations vary. There are those who note who arrived first and they are the first to board the train. Other stops are a free-for-all.”

“Keep your volume down,” Gottsman said. “If you are on an actual train, rather than a subway, there may be a quiet car that specifically requires silence. Respect the rule. On any other form of public transportation, continue to keep your volume down so others don’t hear your conversation.”

Make use of texting rather than calling if you need to communicate.

“As much as possible stay off your phone,” Vernon-Thompson said. “If you must speak with someone, keep in mind, it is improper etiquette to place your phone on speaker while in public. Everyone should not be subjected to the content of your conversation.”

If you need to…