The nine golden rules of catching public transport in Perth

Public transport in Perth can be a mixed bag. Photo: Erin Jonasson EJZ

Yes, choice of train line, time of day and day of the week will certainly contribute to whether the experience is pleasant or enough to scare you off public transport for good.

Considering the recent report from Transperth indicating that public transport use has fallen for the fifth consecutive year, I am guessing that more and more people are falling in the latter category.

My story begins with catching the train into the CBD one morning on the Clarkson line.

During peak hour the resemblance of a sardine can is all too real. Personal space doesn't exist in these situations and the experience is not always enjoyable.

I was relieved when the train pulled up this morning and it was relatively empty by peak hour standards. I don't mind it when the train is like that, it is certainly enjoyable to look out the window at all the blank faces on the drivers crawling through traffic.

The train is so peaceful, 99 per cent of people on their smartphones and e-readers and one hipster reading a book. It is jutting when someone decides to have a conversation on their phone in the morning. Personally, I couldn't think of anything worse than having a personal discussion with all those attentive ears nearby.

So, what happens when three people within the space of two metres decide they are each going to have a phone call at the same time. The outcome is rather comical. To protect the parties involved, names have been changed (not that I knew them in the first place).

At the risk of stereotyping there was Vlad, the Russian going all Spetsnaz on his telco who apparently disconnected his email without reason.

"You will reconnect my email and pay me $50 for the time I have wasted on the phone to you".

Meanwhile, Sally was gossiping to her girlfriend about a mutual friend's upcoming wedding.

"She is rushing into it, a wedding is supposed to be about love not for the sake of having a wedding".

Finally, Rita a middle-aged woman was on the phone to a work colleague.

"I know I can't believe they treated you like that, you should think about quitting".

Apart from learning that I cannot threaten my telco, that I should marry for love and that at work I should be treated fairly, I learned a good deal about what good etiquette looks like when using public transport.

With that in mind, here are nine tips for good etiquette on public transport. Your fellow travellers thank you in advance.

Let passengers exit first

It's cold outside, raining, you're running late and desperate to get on the train. The fear of being left behind can lead to some interesting behaviours but keep your wits about you and think about the people trying to exit the train. A stampede of impatient people running you over is not a good day. Wait your turn and let people exit.

Give your seat up to those who really need it

Give your core a work out and stretch those legs. We spend far too long sitting down so be considerate when using public transport and offer your seat to those who really need it. Keep an eye out for the elderly, pregnant ladies, disabled and people travelling with children. It is a small courtesy that could brighten someone's day.

Use headphones

The train is no place for a rave so leave your speakers and Da Rude at home. If you are using headphones, save your ears and seat the volume to 75 percent of maximum. I am not interested in listening to Katy Perry with you.

Having conversations

If you are talking with other passengers or need to use your phone, try to talk as quietly as possible and do not shout. Although entertaining, avoid having personal conversations on the phone. If you are bored read a book or go on Facebook like everyone else.

Do NOT eat smelly food on a packed train

Leave your tins of tuna at home. No one wants to smell what you are eating and besides, watching you stuff your face on the train is not the most flattering of looks. If it happens to be something tasty, you may find yourself fending off hungry commuters.

General politeness and respecting other people's privacy

In this day and age, it is uncommon to engage in a conversation with a complete stranger on the train. If someone does speak to you, be polite and acknowledge them before switching off. If you are doing the talking, respect that not all passengers are feeling chatty. Also, shoulder surfing to see other people's screens and books is a big no-no.

Personal hygiene and being sick

With so many people using public transport it can be a breeding ground for the spreading of germs. If you are sick, make sure you cover your mouth when your cough or sneeze. Try not to wipe your hands on the seat, handrails or the person next to you.

Not sick? That's great but still keep some hygiene standards. Be aware that your bodily odours can make for an unpleasant travelling experience. Have a shower and wear deodorant. More importantly, hold it in until you have exited. We also do not condone the drop and run - you know what we mean.

Put down your bags

The train can be awkward enough so put your backpack between your legs and give the people around you room to move. The same goes for big handbags. Knowing how heavy these things are, they can easily send a small woman flying down the aisle because of a shift in balance.

Don't litter or vandalise

Public transport is a service that many people use daily. General wear and tear is inevitable but deliberately destroying or damaging the train is criminal. Always try to leave the train in the same state as you left it, take your rubbish with you. If you see some rubbish, do the right thing and pick it up.

Summing Up

Public transport is a great service for us all to use. Especially for those living in communities on the fringes of the city, it is a great way to get around and avoid the gridlock. Always keep your fellow passengers in mind and keep public transport safe, friendly and enjoyable for all.

Mark Campbell is Director and co-founder of landguide.com.au