The Dos and Don’ts Of Public Transport

We’ve all been there: you’re getting a bus or train home after a long day at work, and someone’s blaring their music out of their phone speaker, or taking an obnoxiously loud phone call that you can hear every word of.

It’s annoying, and quite frankly, rude.

Speaking exclusively to HuffPost UK, former Royal butler Grant Harrold, said: “There are many basic rules we’re meant to follow on [systems like] the Tube, including giving up our seat to someone more in need and moving right down the carriage.”

However, there are some extra things you should avoid doing if you really want to be the perfect traveller when it comes to riding public transport.

“Don’t play your music without headphones; the other passengers won’t necessarily care for your Taylor Swift or Spice Girls playlist,” Harrold warned.

“You spent a lot of money on those fancy headphones – use them.”

“Avoid eating or drinking anything smelly or with a strong odour, wait until you’re out of the train, [and] keep your tinned fish closed! Otherwise, fellow passengers may think they’ve entered a fish market,” the ex-butler told us.

Harrold thinks dress codes should be maintained, even on public transport.

“Wearing pyjamas or a onesie is not an option unless you plan on spending the night” on the train or bus, he said.

“Also, we all know certain lines get unbearably hot during the summer – but gentlemen, please resist the urge to take your top off.”

This is not your private space, the etiquette expert stressed. “When travelling with friends, please keep conversation appropriate, as you don’t know who is around you,” he said.

“The elderly couple next to you don’t want to hear about your cheeky weekend antics.”

“Apart from the fact that it will cut you off – which is bad etiquette towards whoever you’re chatting with – nobody else needs to hear about your life stories or the cream you just bought for your bottom,” Harrold ended.

If it’s urgent, “keep it as short as you can and use your headphones”.