Don't be a nuisance on public transportation

Jolyn Bryan, Sunday Gleaner Writer

Many Jamaicans enjoy the benefits of owning a personal motor vehicle. Even with the high gas prices, regular servicing costs and traffic jams, owning a car and being able to move around at will makes monthly car payments well worth it.

For the rest of us, though, public transportation is the only way to get around. As with any situation where strangers are forced to spend more than a few minutes together, there are certain rules of engagement. 'How to Travel on Public Transportation' is a much-needed tool that will help everyone get where they're going in as much comfort as the tin can that passes for a bus (or taxi) can provide.

Observing as many of these rules as possible is guaranteed to ensure a relatively comfortable ride, whether travelling by car, bus or train.

1 Technology is a great thing, but do not abuse it. Keep long and elaborate cell phone conversations to a minimum. People do not need to hear about the trouble you are having getting child support out of "wukliss, dutty Gary", or what the doctor said when you last visited.

Especially for schoolchildren, the Tommy Lee Sparta and Alkaline-enthusiasts, not everyone shares your taste in music, especially when it is profanity-laced. Employ a pair of headphones, which can be obtained at any wholesale or electronics store for a few hundred dollars. This is a win-win situation, where there is peace and quiet for those who want it and you still get to play your favorite tunes.

2 Personal hygiene is important in every situation, but especially so when confined to a small space with other people. Easton S recounted a recent early-morning ride to work in a minivan that went from bad to worse when a lady who apparently had spent the night somewhere other than home decided to board the bus without the benefit of a shower.

"She came off a little before my stop and even after she was gone, the smell still stayed behind. People almost fainted," he said.

If you cannot have a full shower, do not try to mask body odour with perfume. This has never worked and never will. Instead, carry a pack of disposable wet wipes for under the arms and a few sticks of gum or a small bottle of mouthwash.

3 Keep track of personal possessions, especially when travelling with more than one bag. Ask seated passengers to hold heavy bags that might hamper others, and make use of the trunk whenever possible.

4 When possible, give your seat to the elderly, pregnant or disabled. Be mindful of parents with small children. If the child is not comfortable sitting with you, offer the parent the seat.

5 Refrain from using foul or colourful language, especially when there are children present. If you get frustrated, take several deep breaths and try to stay calm. An argument could develop into a fight, and in the close quarters, there is a greater risk of injury to others as well as to yourself.

6 Do not litter. Do not throw thrash through the window or drop it in the vehicle. Not only is this unsanitary, it is also illegal. Garbage should be kept on your person until a trash can becomes available.

7 Resist the urge to share your life story, personal philosophy or a cover version of your favourite song at the top of your lungs. Participate in a lively discussion of why Spain is going home from the World Cup early, but only if you won't take the resulting snide remarks and quips personally. Avoid politics and conspiracy theories and do not eavesdrop on other passengers' conversations.

In short, mind your own business.

This is far from an exhaustive list, but the most important rule to remember is if you cannot be pleasant, be silent. An uncomfortable ride will pass more quickly if endured in silence rather than aggravation and arguments that are so likely in this very hot summer.