TransLink is planning on rolling out a new etiquette campaign this month in a bid to combat impolite transit transgressions.
The agency frequently receives complaints about improper rider behaviour, from spitting and littering on trains to people bodychecking other riders inadvertently because of their giant backpacks.
The list also includes so-called space invaders, people who talk or listen to music loudly and pushy passengers who board before other riders can exit.
TransLink already has list of etiquette issues available on its website, but spokesperson Derek Zabel says it doesn’t hurt to make the reminders more visible through a formalized etiquette campaign on the transit system.
“I think having it there is definitely better than not having it,” he said.
The new campaign will be rolled out sometime this month, based on a social media campaign launched by the agency last year.
Etiquette campaigns have been used on transit systems around the world, although not all of them are official.
A New York artist posted his own reminders around the subway system covering everything from blasting tunes to clipping nails.
The website Transit Fail features images you can print off as stickers to help get the message across. They include reminders not to block doors, or hog the pole so other people can’t use it.
And Christopher Roleau, a Toronto-based graphic designer, came up with cards to acknowledge both good and bad behaviour.
Etiquette expert Margaret Page says offering a pat on the back isn't a bad idea.
“Congratulating people and celebrating people really helps reinforce that behavior,” she told CTV News.
With a report from CTV British Columbia’s Maria Weisgarber
