Getting a seat on trams

[mrsbrown]

Look - http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/Passenger-courtesy-fines-unworkable/2005/05/19/1116361654398.html

An opportunity for me to brag about my simple strategy for a guaranteed seat on the tram or train.

I ask.

I find a suitable person (usually young, often male), tap them on the shoulder and say, "excuse me, can I please have your seat?" They are usually standing before they've even thought about it being reasonable to give your seat to someone who doesn't look sick, or pregnant, or disabled. I've had only one funny look, but I've never been asked to explain.

When I needed to start getting a seat more often, I agonised about it for a little while and then, while I was feeling particularly sick, I had no choice. I decided I didn't feel comfortable telling people why I needed a seat, but if they knew what I needed I had a better chance of getting it.

Comments

Courtesy on public transport

[sootysmudge.livejournal.com]

I often ask people to remove their bags so that l can have a seat. Basically l follow your ideas and say politely "Hallo could you move your bag so that l can have a seat" It's always worked so far.

[splodgenoodles.livejournal.com]

Well....they used to ahve signs up above the seats near the door...Why don't they just reinstate those(last time I was on a tram I didn't see any)?

[doushkasmum.livejournal.com]

I don't know about trams but they do have them on trains and buses still.