Commuters in Australia are reportedly reaching their breaking point over perceived breaches of public transport etiquette, with some resorting to physical confrontation to navigate crowded trains. The most cited issue involves passengers rushing onto trains before allowing those inside to disembark, a behavior reported in Sydney, Melbourne, and on the Gold Coast.
One Sydney commuter described an incident at Central Station where passengers crowded the doors and boarded the train immediately upon opening, despite the carriage not being full. She stated she "barged" her way out, "elbow[ing] everyone out of the way," in frustration. She expressed a determination to continue this behavior, saying, "I will not let myself be walked all over by inconsiderate individuals who can't wait five seconds and won't step aside for people to alight."
This sentiment resonated with other commuters who recalled a time when allowing passengers to exit first was a fundamental rule. "When I was a child the signs everywhere said: 'Wait until people alight'," one recalled. Another Sydney commuter highlighted the problem on trains in the city's west, describing being crowded by five to ten people attempting to board as they tried to exit. This individual admitted to being "pretty blunt" and, in other instances, resorting to "coughing on them or shoulder barging them as I get off the train."
The issue extends to passengers with accessibility needs. One woman shared that people often barge in front of her husband, who uses a wheelchair, while he is trying to exit the train. Another commuter described standing aside to make space for departing passengers, only for others to use the gap to board ahead of her, likening the behavior to others being "invisible."
Similar frustrations were reported on the Gold Coast, where a former tram worker encountered people pushing past as passengers were trying to get off. While some commuters admitted to matching the aggressive behavior, others suggested less confrontational approaches.
"A loud 'MOVE PLEASE' typically gets the point across without getting physical," one person suggested. The article also highlighted other common public transport grievances, including blocking doors and escalators, using speakerphone in public, watching videos without headphones, taking up extra seats with bags, putting feet on seats, and failing to offer priority seating.
These behaviors are often viewed through the lens of hundreds of strangers sharing a confined space. The principle of letting passengers off before boarding is considered not just good manners but also practical, as it facilitates smoother boarding for everyone else. The persistence of the opposite behavior continues to baffle many commuters, who note that waiting "five seconds" is a minimal effort.
