50 Times People Just Had To Take A Photo Of Absolute Jerks Taking Public Transport (New Pics)
Interview With ExpertPersonally, I adore public transport. It’s environmentally friendly, cheap, and gets you where you need to be without having to deal with traffic jams and other drivers. However, this enjoyment is often overshadowed by fellow passengers who seem to forget that they’re in a public place and not their own living room. Loud talking on the phone, videos blasted on full volume, unsolicited coughing, and shoving sometimes make me want to take my eyes out after a long day at work.
Anyone who has stepped foot on public transport probably knows this pain all too well. At least, it looks like it from all the photos our team at Bored Panda managed to find where passengers are acting like complete nuisances. Below you’ll find a whole list of the most frustrating commuters' behaviors, proving that common decency needs to be more common.
While you're scrolling, make sure to check out a conversation with etiquette and diplomatic protocol consultant, founder of Manners with Kristina and author of Elevate Your Presence, Kristina Szabova, and etiquette expert and founder of Etiquette Consulting Inc., Jules Martinez Hirst, who kindly agreed to discuss with us public transport etiquette.
This post may include affiliate links.
Blasting Her Christian Music Through The Whole Train. Cause She Likes It
People tried to talk to her, but then she even started chanting. „Everyone should listen to this! Jesus is the only true god! He is our saviour!“ and so on… Religious people like this are ridiculous.
Anyone that blasts loud music on the bus is ridiculous. Would OP have been less outraged if she was blasting Metallica?
This Bloke Putting His Filthy Shoes On The Train Seat, Blasting Netflix At Full Volume And Vaping
This Dude And His Girlfriend Blasting Tiktoks At Full Blast On A 3 Hour Train Ride
My wife and I are on our honeymoon in Italy and the jet lag has basically ruined our sleep schedule. No worries, we’ll just sleep on the train, right? Nope! Instead, we get to listen to hours of shitty TikTok audio courtesy of two apparently socially challenged, self-centered teens. When did it become okay to blast your phone while the people around you are clearly trying to sleep?
This is the kind of situation where I'd start loudly commenting/talking to them after each one they watched. "Oh! Wow! That girl sounded TOTALLY crazy! haha! Right?! Hey, since I can HEAR what you're watching, can I come over there and lean over your shoulder and WATCH them too?"
Honestly I would get up and walk over and just turn their phone down, maintain eye contact and walk off. Not a parent but they obviously need some adult supervision 😂
Load More Replies...I would have blasted opera back at them you are in Italy after all
If I frequently encounter this travesty, I would buy a bunch of ear buds at the $1 store ($1.25 really) and loudly say, in my best school Marm voice, it is a gift from the entire train/plane/bus/metro etc. that they must now use or suffer untold negative consequences.
I see over 40 people doing this all the time. There's no need to turn everything into this divisive generational nonsense.
Load More Replies...I once was on a lengthy train ride with a bachelorette party sitting right behind me. They were blasting their music all through the compartment and laughting and talking in their loudest voices. Very soon after we departed, I turned round to them and politely but firmly demanded that they turn off their music. "Do you mean we should turn it down?", they asked. "No, off", I answered. Which they grumpily did. Then they continued to discuss if I had the right to tell them that, because this is a free country and I was being super rude and how they were going to complain about me to the train attendant. And then they started their music again. And they didn't care that about 5 other people complained, too. They were unbearable.
Aren't there rules about using a loud volume. The driver should stop, tell them to use headphones, or the next stop will be for them. This happens because nobody complains, therefore there are no consequences.
That’s when my inner New Yorker comes out. Although I usually say sweetly the first time, “Do you have headphones?” 😉
If you have earphones, put white noise playing, it cancels most of the annoying noices. Much better tgan listening music.
"Impolite behaviors on public transport often arise because people are absorbed in their own world—running late, rushing to work, or simply zoning out," explains etiquette and diplomatic protocol consultant, founder of Manners with Kristina and author of Elevate Your Presence, Kristina Szabova.
"It’s common to see commuters blocking train doors, not letting others off first, or taking up extra space during peak hours. I believe that in most cases, these actions aren't intentionally rude but it's more a case of being unaware of how small actions can inconvenience others."
This Guy Was Shaving His Legs On The Train
Woman Doesn't Let Pregnant Lady Sit On The Bus
Oh ffs, lady. We’re supposed to look out for each other. It’s not like there are no seats and she’s demanding you give up yours—-you may be equally entitled to it because of a disability that’s not apparent, and that’s OK. She’s just asking to have the unoccupied seat you commandeered for your bag, which has no disability and therefore no entitlement to the seat, and can sit in your lap or on the floor, ffs.
I Know It’s Not Technically Illegal But I Strongly Feel That The Man Who Sat In Front Of Me On The Train And Ate Seven Carrots And A Load Of Green Beans Then Left The Compost Needs Locking Up
While living in London, she has seen plenty of such ignorant commuter behaviors herself.
"Living in London and often traveling during rush hour on the Tube, I’ve seen my fair share of questionable behaviors—people doing their makeup, clipping nails, spraying perfume, eating food with overpowering smells, playing music without headphones, and even leaving behind empty bottles or rubbish. These moments often highlight how easy it is to prioritise our own convenience over being considerate of others in shared spaces."
These Girls Taking Up 2 Seats Each While Other People Have To Stand
Smoking On The Bus
People Hoping To Skip Queues By Standing Like This And Trying To Slip In
Etiquette expert and founder of Etiquette Consulting Inc., Jules Martinez Hirst, agrees that we can be absorbed in our own little worlds. That's why we often forget to be mindful of others.
She also notes that we can be less tolerant of questionable behaviors on public transport, as busy schedules and crowded spaces can cause people to run out of patience.
"The riders of public transportation make up a wide demographic of people. Although different in makeup, they all commute in crowded spaces with crazy schedules and little to no personal space, so it is easy for people to snap at the littlest thing," she says.
People Who Stick Gum In Charing Ports On Public Transport
Preventing Others From Holding The Pole
Busy commute to work and this woman is leaning against the pole, on her phone, taking up as much room as possible preventing people from getting on the train while leaning on my hand the entire commute.
She turned around and angrily stared at me like I was invading her personal space. The entitlement is simply incredible to witness
If You Do This, Especially With People Sitting In Front Of You, You Are An Absolute Twat
Sneeze on them feet if they're sticking up into your armrest/area. Even if it's a fake sneeze. No one can prove it's a fake sneeze. It's not illegal to not cover your mouth when you sneeze. Make sure you get a good load of spit flying when you "sneeze" on the feet, too XD
According to etiquette experts, behaviors that are unacceptable on public transportation include:
- Playing music or videos without headphones.
- Having loud conversations, whether in person or over the phone.
- Occupying extra seats with bags during busy times.
- Eating smelly or messy food.
- Grooming like brushing hair or clipping nails.
- Ignoring priority seating for those who genuinely need it.
- Leaving behind litter or empty bottles.
Person Leaves Sunflower Seed Shells All Over Bus Floor. Some People Are So Disrespectful
The Girl In Front Of Me Refused To Close Her Window While It Was Pouring Rain
So I was on a ride home from school on the bus, and it was pouring rain. So what does the girl in front of me do? Open her window. I asked her multiple times nicely if she could close it, to which she refused. At this point, I was soaked, and frustrated, so I closed the window. Guess what she does? Opens it back up, so the water continues to hit me.
Even though people like that aren’t worth getting in trouble over, in my head I have a very satisfying picture of grabbing her neck and holding her head outside the window she was so keen to have open. See how she likes HER head getting soaked in the rain. But, like I said, she’s not worth getting yourself in trouble over, though it is highly satisfying to imagine it, in detail. Who knows? She does it to the wrong person with no f***s to give anymore about getting in trouble over it, and Karma might just arrange to make that fantasy into reality.
Just Opened My Redbull And Took One Sip On The Mbta Bus Before This Lady Sat Down In Front Of Me And Whipped Her Hair Over The Headrest Causing Pieces Of Either Crispy Hair Or Dried Hair Product To Fall Right Into The Opening... Now Holding This Full Can Until I Get To A Bin
"It’s important to remember that public transport is a shared space, and it reflects how you present yourself to others," says Szabova. "While you might argue that doing your makeup isn’t inconveniencing anyone, ask yourself—would you do your makeup in front of your boss? It’s not just about the act itself but the impression it leaves on those around you. How you behave in public spaces speaks volumes about you, so be considerate, respectful, and mindful of the shared environment."
Acting Like This On A Morning Commuter Train Full Of People
She Is Tying A Random Persons Hair To The Bus Rail
That No One Can Sit Next To U In A Full Bus
there are 2 bags in the lap of person next to this seat, pick the water up and tell her to put it in her bag or it will go on the floor in front of her. She is not entitled
If a person sees fellow passengers violating any of these recommended rules, etiquette experts advise, addressing it, but of course, with caution, grace, tact, and kindness.
"For example, if someone is blocking a seat, you could politely ask, “Excuse me, is this seat taken?” instead of pointing out their lack of manners," says Szabova.
"I recall a moment on a quiet bus when a man was playing music loudly without headphones. Another passenger leaned over and said with a smile, “I love that song, but could you turn it down a little? Some of us are trying to relax.” The man smiled back, apologised, and put on his headphones—it was a perfect example of how kindness can defuse a situation," she shared.
Someone Put Cream On The Seat At The Bus Stop
Stood Up For 2 Mins And The Lady Next To Me Put Her Bag In My Seat
On the train and I finished a chapter in my book and got up to put the book in my bag that was on the storage rack (I didn't have time to finish another chapter before we got to my station) and came back and the lady had put her bag in my seat.
Full Train And This Guy
In case someone ignores such requests or becomes aggressive, experts recommend avoiding escalating the situation by involving transport staff or letting it go completely.
"Remember that everyone is already stressed and on edge so you want to avoid escalating the situation," says Hirst. "Be polite but assertive. A simple polite request can go a long way to solving the problem. When in doubt, lead by example. If commuters are not giving up their seats, then you can offer up your seat, and hopefully, you will inspire others to do the same."
The Guy Sitting Across From Me On The Bus
Music Aficionado Sharing His Music On The Bus With Everyone
She Also Attended A Half Hour Work Meeting Without Earphones
To ensure a pleasant commute for everyone, etiquette experts provide a few rules that public transport passengers should stick to:
- Keep quiet—use headphones or speak softly during your phone calls.
- Respect personal space—try not to bump, lean, or push others.
- Share the space—your one fare entitles you to one seat. Do not take up more than that.
- Be considerate—cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow so as not to spread germs.
- Follow the rules—pay your fare and wait your turn to board.
- Let others off first—mind the doors and allow passengers to disembark before boarding.
- Leave personal grooming to the privacy of the bathroom—light touch-ups, like reapplying lipstick or fixing your hair, are fine if done discreetly, but anything more should be reserved for a private space.
Previous Passenger Left An Imprint On My Seat
Sleeping In The Stairwell. Couldnt Get Off At My Stop. Yay Highschool
I Had To Get Up And Change Seats Because These Scum Bags Decided To Start Smoking Next To Me. Not Only That, But They Kicked Leftover Food Under Their Seats And Spill Their Drinks All Over The Floor. This Type Of Stuff Happens Every Day On The Train
I don't think smoking is allowed on any public transportation anywhere here in the US
"A little kindness and self-awareness can make all the difference. Whether it’s offering a smile, helping someone with heavy luggage, or saying “thank you” to the driver, these small gestures can transform a busy, chaotic commute into a more pleasant experience for everyone. After all, how we behave in shared spaces reflects not just our manners but also our respect for one another," says Szabova.
"Gratitude and kindness go a long way," agrees Hirst. "Thank people or give a nod when someone gives you their seat or helps you with your bag to show you appreciate their gesture. A little thoughtfulness can make public transportation better for everyone."
Girls Play Music And Sing Along Very Loudly, Then Get Off The Bus Leaving This Behind
The Way The Guy Next To Me Is Sitting
Man spreading is a serious issue during commutes. And, sorry if I'm only half the size of you (at best), I still need a bit of room...
Just Chilling On The Train
He Tried To Use My Foot As A Pillow
Continuing To Play A Loud Video On The Bus With No Headphones Even After Asking Her To Stop
I'd sit in the seat right behind her and kick the back of her seat repeatedly.
Going The Extra Mile To Not Touch The Handrail With His Hand
This Woman Taking Up 8 Seats With Her Stuff On A Full Train
This calls for a gentle moving of alllllll those bags to the floor! (emphasis on GENTLE, be the better/bigger person, don't be a d-bag too!)
Start To Wonder Why The Train Carriage Is Starting To Smell, Glance Over And Shoes Are On The Floor And Gammy Feet Are On The Seat. Gotta Love British Rail
Excuse me, do you realize your feet smell like my dog's fungal infection? You may want to see a doctor about that.
This Woman Who Thinks It's Appropriate To Use A Seat On The T For Her Shopping Bags
Yep, that would be a "walk right over to the seat and grab each bag gently and gently set them on the floor and sit in the seat" moment for me XD
This Guy Taking Up Three Seats On The Bus While Watching A Movie Without Headphones
Some Jerk Just Spilled His Beer All Over Me On The Bus
Smelt Cigarettes Coming From Someone On My Bus, First Thought They Were Smoking. Turns Out They Were Trashing My Bus. They're A Regular On The Service And I Will Be Calling Them Out On It When They Next Get On. Made The Bus Smell For The Duration Of The Route But I Did Clean It Up When I Got Back
On A Public Bus.. That Is Absolutely Disgusting
Bringing Your “Service Animal” Duck In The Train So You Can Sit On The Disabled Seating
Disturbing Everyone On The Train
Subway Pimple Popper
Full Bus But The Bag Needs A Seat
Corona Ain’t Gonna Get Her 200iq
She may be safe(ish) from covid, but hypoxia on the other hand... And this strategy suggests she really didn't have brain cells to spare in the first place.
Trying To Sleep On A Long Bus Ride And This Person Has Their Phone On Full Brightness
Good Night
In A Crowded Bus Back To Campus And This Guy Decides He Needs His Space
They only do it because everyone is too scared to speak up to them!
Pos (To The Right) Blocks A Handicap Section Of A Metropolitan Train With Their Bicycle
Boomer Refuses To Give Up Extra Seat On A Packed Rush-Hour Train Because His Bag Is Using It. Then Puts On Fox News With No Headphones. Gotta Get Those Feet Up On It
Most of these are easily solvable. I always enjoy teaching people there's always a bigger a*****e.
Problem with calling out people in US is that many of these asshats, even the 12 year old girls, are armed.
Load More Replies...I love the poll optons of " Unsolicited coughing". I mean, is there such a things as solicited coughing?
New definition - "coffee" - someone who is coughed over.
Load More Replies...In the "What do you think" section here, there should be a fifth choice: All of the above
There are problems in my large city with homeless and other marginalized people in public transit. They ride around all day to stay warm. The worst example I (F76) saw recently.: Totally naked woman wrapped in a skimpy towel. Sores on her body. Very close cropped hair. (Lice?). Incredibly sad situation.
Everyone of these people that post this stuff need to speak up. What's the chance you see them the next day. Be the one that calls them out. Say I got your face a photo of you being rude. Turn down the volume. Put your shoes on. Move the bags. They would expect you to so expect them to. Call. Them. Out. You don't speak up then they think it's ok. Except for service duck. That's a real one. Sadly tho I don't get the baby carriage need or use for that much space. Get a pet carrier.
I have a carriage pet stroller that my mom pushes for me. She's arthritic and has osteoporosis. But I'm in a chair and can't always carry the cat on my lap. She uses it instead of a walker cuz it's easier on her hands.
Load More Replies...Why are so many of these people having their faces blocked? These are the kind of people that deserve to be shamed online. So many times I see people being made fun of for bad tattoos, hairstyles, fashion choices, etc. Those aren’t people who are hurting anyone. These are people who are genuinely inconsiderate and cause chaos. They deserve to be shamed online
I think BP has a cheek blurring out the last entry and asking for a fee!
Interesting that the only time folks attempted to id a generation was if they thought someone was over 64. Why no id gen z, gen a a******s too?
I once was on a lengthy train ride with a bachelorette party sitting right behind me. They were blasting their music all through the compartment and laughting and talking in their loudest voices. Very soon after we departed, I turned round to them and politely but firmly demanded that they turn off their music. "Do you mean we should turn it down?", they asked. "No, off", I answered. Which they grumpily did. Then they continued to discuss if I had the right to tell them that, because this is a free country and I was being super rude and how they were going to complain about me to the train attendant. And then they started their music again. And they didn't care that about 5 other people complained, too. They were unbearable.
Here's a debate: AITA: It was a 35c heatwave in the UK, I was on a bus back from the city, it was a full bus. Now, I have various health issues, which means I was about an inch away from heatstroke that day. Most of the bus windows, including the one at my seat are open. Even with the slight breeze I feel sick. Then some guy from about 3 rows down, which was the back of the bus, comes along closing. EVERY. SINGLE. WINDOW. I immediately open mine again. he starts grumbling with his mates as he's sat at the back of the bus, then comes to try and close it again like the self entitled twonker he clearly thought he was. I take a swig of my water and proceed to throw up everywhere because heatstroke is setting in. His face was priceless, but I do have to question if the idea of me puking everywhere just to get back at someone who clearly thought the bus should be a sauna makes me an ahole. (and no it wasn't on purpose but still lmao)
I saw people carrying small towels and cover seats before putting their feet on it. I'm tempted to do the same. Occupying seats in crowded train would be a*****e behaviour, but my train is almost empty.
Just a question actually about transportation etiquette, not really relevant anymore but curious because I used to do this some mornings when I was running late. Is it okay for a woman to do her makeup on the way to work? Say she's keeping it all contained on her lap and not taking up any additional space except for the seat she's sitting in. Is it gross or rude?
I do that too when I'm running late. I don't think it's gross, definitely not unhygienic. Some people might not want to see it or think it should be kept private, but I actually like the aspect that people get to see that it takes work to look the way society expects us to...
Load More Replies...This is why I refuse to live in a place in which I cannot commute in my own private car. One of my vehicles is fully electric and my backup vehicle is a hybrid. So it's super cheap and not terrible for the environment too. I love the idea of public transport, I just wish people governed themselves better in public.
Sorry mate, I'm not convinced that owning two cars is good for the environment, even with EV credentials: how do you think the electricity is produced?
Load More Replies...Most of these are easily solvable. I always enjoy teaching people there's always a bigger a*****e.
Problem with calling out people in US is that many of these asshats, even the 12 year old girls, are armed.
Load More Replies...I love the poll optons of " Unsolicited coughing". I mean, is there such a things as solicited coughing?
New definition - "coffee" - someone who is coughed over.
Load More Replies...In the "What do you think" section here, there should be a fifth choice: All of the above
There are problems in my large city with homeless and other marginalized people in public transit. They ride around all day to stay warm. The worst example I (F76) saw recently.: Totally naked woman wrapped in a skimpy towel. Sores on her body. Very close cropped hair. (Lice?). Incredibly sad situation.
Everyone of these people that post this stuff need to speak up. What's the chance you see them the next day. Be the one that calls them out. Say I got your face a photo of you being rude. Turn down the volume. Put your shoes on. Move the bags. They would expect you to so expect them to. Call. Them. Out. You don't speak up then they think it's ok. Except for service duck. That's a real one. Sadly tho I don't get the baby carriage need or use for that much space. Get a pet carrier.
I have a carriage pet stroller that my mom pushes for me. She's arthritic and has osteoporosis. But I'm in a chair and can't always carry the cat on my lap. She uses it instead of a walker cuz it's easier on her hands.
Load More Replies...Why are so many of these people having their faces blocked? These are the kind of people that deserve to be shamed online. So many times I see people being made fun of for bad tattoos, hairstyles, fashion choices, etc. Those aren’t people who are hurting anyone. These are people who are genuinely inconsiderate and cause chaos. They deserve to be shamed online
I think BP has a cheek blurring out the last entry and asking for a fee!
Interesting that the only time folks attempted to id a generation was if they thought someone was over 64. Why no id gen z, gen a a******s too?
I once was on a lengthy train ride with a bachelorette party sitting right behind me. They were blasting their music all through the compartment and laughting and talking in their loudest voices. Very soon after we departed, I turned round to them and politely but firmly demanded that they turn off their music. "Do you mean we should turn it down?", they asked. "No, off", I answered. Which they grumpily did. Then they continued to discuss if I had the right to tell them that, because this is a free country and I was being super rude and how they were going to complain about me to the train attendant. And then they started their music again. And they didn't care that about 5 other people complained, too. They were unbearable.
Here's a debate: AITA: It was a 35c heatwave in the UK, I was on a bus back from the city, it was a full bus. Now, I have various health issues, which means I was about an inch away from heatstroke that day. Most of the bus windows, including the one at my seat are open. Even with the slight breeze I feel sick. Then some guy from about 3 rows down, which was the back of the bus, comes along closing. EVERY. SINGLE. WINDOW. I immediately open mine again. he starts grumbling with his mates as he's sat at the back of the bus, then comes to try and close it again like the self entitled twonker he clearly thought he was. I take a swig of my water and proceed to throw up everywhere because heatstroke is setting in. His face was priceless, but I do have to question if the idea of me puking everywhere just to get back at someone who clearly thought the bus should be a sauna makes me an ahole. (and no it wasn't on purpose but still lmao)
I saw people carrying small towels and cover seats before putting their feet on it. I'm tempted to do the same. Occupying seats in crowded train would be a*****e behaviour, but my train is almost empty.
Just a question actually about transportation etiquette, not really relevant anymore but curious because I used to do this some mornings when I was running late. Is it okay for a woman to do her makeup on the way to work? Say she's keeping it all contained on her lap and not taking up any additional space except for the seat she's sitting in. Is it gross or rude?
I do that too when I'm running late. I don't think it's gross, definitely not unhygienic. Some people might not want to see it or think it should be kept private, but I actually like the aspect that people get to see that it takes work to look the way society expects us to...
Load More Replies...This is why I refuse to live in a place in which I cannot commute in my own private car. One of my vehicles is fully electric and my backup vehicle is a hybrid. So it's super cheap and not terrible for the environment too. I love the idea of public transport, I just wish people governed themselves better in public.
Sorry mate, I'm not convinced that owning two cars is good for the environment, even with EV credentials: how do you think the electricity is produced?
Load More Replies...