Common Courtesy

I was walking to lunch yesterday, and as my co-worker and I were attempting to exit the elevator, a guy rushes in like he was gunning for the end zone! I was like, OK Reggie Bush, settle down! Typically, one lets people get off the elevator before attempting to get in. So that started an entire conversation about "common courtesy."

First of all, let’s talk metro. Why do people insist on getting up before the metro stops? They get up, making the person on the outside seat get up as well, then they start trying to make their way to the door (mind you, train is still in motion). As they walk, everyone is forced to move out of the way and sometimes that requires a person to let go of the hand rail to make way. So now the train starts breaking and everyone starts falling, and all because that inconsiderate SOB couldn't wait till the train came to a full stop before moving.

Some people will tell you it’s rush hour and the train is packed so they don’t want to get stuck, but I have been in the worst rush hours, in the inside seat, in the middle of the metro car, and I still make it to the door (without moving one inch prior to the train stopping). It also doesn’t explain why people do this when it’s NOT rush hour.

Other courtesy calls, which are stated by the PA system on the metro but everyone ignores:

-Please move to the center of the car, do not crowd the doors.
-Please wait until customers get off before attempting to board the train.

I love it when someone gets on the train, knowing there are like 10 other people behind them, and then they just stop, right by the door. So now everyone else is having trouble walking in cause the doors aren't that wide. The best thing is that I watch them to see where they get off (maybe 1 stop, max 2?). These people stay on the train after I'm off, and I have a long commute.

My personal favorite is when the train is full and some A-hole is leaning (full body) against the pole. These poles are not for striping, or for hugging, or for leaning! They are meant for a person to hold on, and it only takes one hand to hold on. So I find myself playing the snowboarding balance game because I can't hang on to anything! D-bags!

Now, on to escalators and walking in narrow hallways, the same principles apply to both. Don’t block the escalators. Stand to the right to allow people to pass you on the left, same concept as driving. I know, I know, nobody follows these rules when driving, especially in Miami, but hell, this is DC, have some common sense! When you’re walking down the halls, if you and your friends are taking up all the room, make sure you are not blocking someone behind you who may be in a hurry, especially if you move like molasses.

The Japanese pretty much have this figured out, it’s a beautiful thing. They don’t block escalators, they have the subway figured out, and when someone is lost or needs to stop for whatever reason, they move out of the way. In a city as crowded as Tokyo, it’s so wonderful to see organized chaos for once! The problem is that people here are selfish and everyone is always in their own little world thinking about themselves.