Courteous Traveling

There should be pubic transportation decorum. People use public transportation for many reasons. Environmentalists want to cutdown on pollution emitted by personal cars. When it's cold outside or the distance is too great, poor college students rely on public transportation.

Strangely, some people enjoy public transportation. Short distances are manageable, sometimes tolerable. But, long distances on public transit or inter-city transportation can be, and often is, unbearable. With lavatories aboard and modern conveniences such as wifi, it seems inconceivable how comfort-oriented transportation can be so uncomfortable. How is it possible?

The luxuries often found on inter and intra-city transportation does not override the obnoxious and inconsiderate fellow travelers. Companies such as Megabus and Boltbus are wonderful, especially for travelers on a budget. Despite financial savings, nothing can compensate a traveler for dealing with rude people...

Who are these people?

1. People who listen to their music at a volume at which half the bus can hear their music.

2. People who have lengthy, often loud, phone conversations.

3. People who ignore their children and/or allow their children to run amuck.

4. People who are, in general, unnecessarily loud.

Perhaps I am oversensitive. But, I find the aforementioned descriptions to be unwarranted.

Why?

1. Music can be enjoyed at a reasonable volume. Just because one person enjoys listening to certain tunes does not mean everyone surrounding him will appreciate the musical selection.

2. Cell phones are wonderful devices enabling people to stay in constant communication with anyone and everyone. However, there is a time and a place to shoot the breeze. That time is not on a crowded bus. No one wants to hear someone's personal business, nor did anyone pay to listen to someone blab for several hours.

3. Children can be bundles of joy. However, parenting does not end with popping a kid out and clothing and feeding him. Parents are responsible for teaching their children how to behave in public. Children need rules. Parents should teach their children, set rules and enforce them.

4. Communal transportation is a monastery or convent. Talking is permitted. However, screaming is unnecessary.

Although a four-hour bus ride may never be enjoyable, it can be tolerable. No amount of modern conveniences can compare to consideration for fellow travelers. If you want to listen to music loudly, talk on the phone, be loud in general or allow your children to go berserk, please refrain from using intra and intercity transportation.