Speaking loudly on a mobile phone is the most commonly witnessed type of inconsiderate behaviour on public transport according to new research conducted by the UK's Transport for London (TfL). This was (very) closely followed by loud noise from passengers' headphones and passengers taking up more than one seat or leaving bags on seats.
The survey also found that the majority of passengers behave inconsiderately without meaning to.
The research coincides with a TfL campaign to encourage people to "Consider your fellow passengers".
The aim of the campaign is to address everyday, irritating behaviour that can
affect the experience of travelling on public transport and encourage people to
take more responsibility for their own behaviour.
Considerate actions
While two in three people believe that inconsiderate behaviours are unacceptable, most people admitted to having been inconsiderate themselves - the most common action being taking up more than one seat.
Men were perceived as most likely to be responsible for behaviour such as speaking loudly on a mobile phone and eating hot food, whereas women were seen as being responsible for taking up more than one seat with bags.
The vast majority of people surveyed agree that all Londoners have a part to play in making the travel experience better.
Although the survey showed a high level of awareness of inconsiderate behaviour in others, it also showed that people believe it is something that only other people do.
Considerate actions people claim to have carried out involve offering seats, being thoughtful and making a conscious decision not to leave litter.
TfL recently launched their Considerate Travel campaign, encouraging passengers to consider their fellow passengers when using public transport.
Posted to the site on 10th March 2008
Posted to: www.cellular-news.com/story/29827.php