Top Tips for Stress-Free Travel on Public Transport

Travelling on public transport can be challenging and stressful, especially during peak hours when crowded conditions prevail. Whether you are a daily commuter on the London tube, the Seoul subway, the New York metro or the Mumbai local trains, there are some practical tips that can help to alleviate the woes. Here are the top tips for stress-free travel on public transport:

Know Your Transport

It is important to have an intimate knowledge of your desired public transportation system. There are usually multiple routes that can take you to your destination, and the traffic on certain routes may vary depending on the time of day and frequency of transport. Building up knowledge about the routes and timetables takes time, but it is the best way to beat the rush hour crowds.

Move to the Center

Once you are inside the bus or train car, move to the center instead of standing at or near the entrance. The areas near the entrance are where people constantly move, resulting in more push and shoves. Moreover, the chances of getting pick-pocketed at the doorways, where the thief can get off the bus or train easily, is higher. At the center, you are usually safe from such unscrupulous elements.

Hold On

In a crowded bus or train, with no place to sit, find the best standing spot. Make sure it is near a pole or a handle, which can be held on to. Holding on to something not only prevents you from falling over someone in case of unforeseen jerks and pushes, but it also transfers the weight off your legs and reduces the overall fatigue of travel.

Do Not Lean on Poles

People have a habit of leaning over the poles in buses and trains, which does not allow your fellow passengers to find a place to hold on to. This is an indicator of poor etiquette and can lead to unnecessary fights.

Keep Your Feet and Bags Off the Seats

When the train or bus is less crowded, sometimes people put their feet on the seat or put their baggage on the adjacent empty seat. This smacks of poor etiquette and soon becomes a source of irritation for fellow passengers when the vehicle gets crowded. Always keep your feet on the ground, so that others have a clean place to sit on, and keep the luggage on the overhead rack or your lap.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

It is important to be aware of your surroundings, instead of being lost in your thoughts or music. This helps in detecting any untoward activity or a person around you. Ensure that no unclaimed baggage is lying around in the overhead racks or below the seats. Being vigilant pays and helps the local security forces to maintain law and order in crowded transports and stations.

Be Aware of Your Personal Belongings

Keep your luggage to the minimum and your wallets, cell phones and other expensive belongings close to your body. Consciously be aware that at all times you can feel them against your body. If you have expensive items in the luggage, avoid leaving it on overhead racks. Instead, keep them below the seat and between your legs, making them less accessible.

Keep Your Ticket and Fare Readily Available

Keep the ticket or your fare ready in the pocket. This quickens the boarding process and inhibits you from opening the wallet in crowded places, revealing the money and credit cards within. The more you display the money or expensive items on you, the more appealing a target you become for the thieves.

Be Courteous

Be polite and courteous to your fellow passengers. Do not jump queues, and be accommodating of other people’s needs as much as you can. Apologizing for an unintended push or being grateful for a seat from your fellow passenger helps to build camaraderie and reduces the stress for everyone involved in the travel.

Be Clean

Public transport is for all of us, and it is our responsibility to keep it clean. Avoid spitting, throwing garbage on the platforms or inside the bus or train. Cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing in a crowded place to prevent the spread of germs. Finally, if you see wrappers, bottles or other garbage on the seats, make an effort to clean it up. After all, we all like to travel in clean vehicles.

Conclusion

Travelling on public transport can be a time-consuming and hectic experience, but it is also an integral part of city life. By following some simple tips, one can avoid the stress and fatigue associated with crowded public transport, making the journey more enjoyable for everyone. The key to a stress-free travel experience lies in being aware of your surroundings, being courteous to others, and keeping the vehicles clean and orderly.