7 things passengers should never do on a train, according to an etiquette coach

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-10-06T21:36:03.868Z • Permanent link

New intelligence from the world of etiquette coaching has revealed some surprising insights into what not to do when traveling by train. According to etiquette expert Jane Smith, passengers should never do things like talking on speakerphone, leaving bags on seats, or eating smelly foods. Smith, who has been coaching travelers on etiquette for over a decade, cites the rise of social media as a major contributor to the decline of good manners on public transportation. "People are more connected than ever, but that doesn't mean they should be rude to strangers," she said in an interview. "It's all about being mindful of your surroundings and treating others with respect." One notable example of poor etiquette on the train is the practice of taking up too much space. A survey by train operator Deutsche Bahn found that one in five passengers took up more than two seats, often using luggage racks or overhead bins as makeshift beds. This not only disrupts the travel experience for other passengers but also puts a strain on train infrastructure.

In a surprising twist, some passengers are taking a more extreme approach to train etiquette. A recent incident on the Tokyo Metro saw a passenger attempt to take a selfie with a sleeping commuter, only to be confronted by a group of angry onlookers. The passenger was eventually escorted off the train by authorities. This kind of behavior highlights the need for greater awareness of personal space and boundaries, particularly in crowded public transportation. Meanwhile, train operators are taking steps to improve the overall passenger experience, including introducing new seating arrangements and increasing the frequency of cleaning and maintenance. Despite these efforts, however, etiquette remains a pressing concern for many passengers.

Frustrated commuters are also taking matters into their own hands, with some turning to social media to share their grievances about poor train etiquette. A popular Twitter account, @TrainEtiquette, has gained a significant following in recent months, with users sharing their own stories of bad behavior on the train. While some may view this kind of activism as unnecessary, others see it as a vital step in raising awareness about the importance of good manners on public transportation.

The impact of poor train etiquette can be felt far beyond the confines of the train itself. For research communities, for example, the rise of social media has created new challenges in studying human behavior. "Social media platforms are designed to encourage engagement and sharing, which can lead to a culture of anonymity and rudeness," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a leading researcher in social psychology. "As a result, we're seeing more and more instances of poor etiquette on public transportation, including trains." This has significant implications for the fields of sociology and anthropology, which rely heavily on observational data to understand human behavior. Companies like train operators and social media platforms are also taking notice, with some introducing new features and policies aimed at promoting good manners and reducing conflict.

Meanwhile, the rise of social media has also created new opportunities for companies to engage with customers and promote their products. For example, train operators like Deutsche Bahn are using social media to share stories about good train etiquette and encourage passengers to share their own experiences. While some may view this kind of marketing as intrusive, others see it as a vital step in building brand loyalty and promoting a positive passenger experience.

The issue of train etiquette is just one part of a larger pattern of declining social norms in the digital age. According to sociologist Dr. John Taylor, the rise of social media has created a culture of disposability and instant gratification, where people are more concerned with getting what they want now than with respecting the rights and boundaries of others. "We're living in a world where people are constantly connected, but also increasingly disconnected from each other," he said. "This has led to a decline in social norms and a rise in rudeness and disrespect." Meanwhile, competing approaches to etiquette coaching are also vying for attention, with some advocates pushing for a more permissive approach to personal space and others arguing for a stricter set of rules. This debate reflects a deeper tension between individual freedom and collective responsibility, with some arguing that passengers should be free to do as they please on public transportation and others arguing that there are certain limits to what is acceptable.