SUBWAY/METRO/TUBE/ UNDERGROUND ETIQUETTE How should YOU behave on the subway? What are some dos and don’ts

When entering or leaving the station remember the to keep the left side of the escalators clear. If you want to stand, stand on the right.

Sometimes the standing side is left; it depends on the country Sometimes the standing side is left; it depends on the country. Look for signs. Whatever you do, don’t block both sides!

These posters from around the world show us how to behave.

Electronic devices should NOT be heard by anyone else on the train. Taipei, 2014

Music is for your ears only Music is for your ears only! Keep the volume low so you don’t disturb others and you can hear what is going on around you. You don’t want to be jammin’ and miss your stop!

If you want privacy, don’t advertise your private moments! Toronto, Canada

Give up a seat for those less able to stand Give up a seat for those less able to stand. Be aware of those around you. London Underground, 1986

Be aware! Priority seating is OK to sit in UNLESS someone of greater need is standing.

Please make room for others to sit. No “man-spreading” Tokyo, 2012

Be aware of your surroundings. Man-spreading in New York City by artist Amelia Opdyke Jones, 1947

More “Man-spreading” A design by Hideya Kawakita in Japan, 1976

Share the ride! Poles are one of the very few things to hold on to, when you lean on a pole you are removing almost all possible handles. It is extremely rude to assume that your relaxed leaning is more valuable than every one else’s safety or comfort. First of all it’s not yours. Second of all, share it!

Poles are not for gymnastics either!

Just . . . . .gross! NYC Subway

Share the poles and seats, but don’t share too much Share the poles and seats, but don’t share too much! We don’t want to watch you groom! New York City, 2014

Just ewww . . . . .

In other words, be courteous! An illustration by Amelia Opdyke Jones in the Subway Sun, New York City, 1953

Don’t throw trash around. Keep it clean! London Underground, 1985

Don’t take more than your share. A graphic design by Trinh Loi for Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, 2014

Don’t be a ‘lounge lizard’ Don’t be a ‘lounge lizard’. It is not polite or safe to sleep on the subway. The Lounge Lizard campaign by Robert Willis, with illustrations by Ed Spence and print design by Koot Botha from Vancouver, 2011

Wait your turn, but don’t hold up traffic! Chicago, 2015

Don’t block the door when there is space along the car London

Your bags do NOT need a seat! New etiquette signs going up in NYC subways

Try to give as much room as possible Try to give as much room as possible. We don’t want to smell your food, either NYC Subway

Sharing is caring, but don’t share your food smell!

New Paris subway etiquette posters are wonderfully goofy

Remember, good manners go a long way! Be a good ambassador for America in foreign countries. Your behavior labels our whole country!