Got a comment from TriMetiquette reader Porter:
“Here’s my issue I’d like discussed: those who, on the platform, insist on standing as near as possible to the point where the door on the next train will be (the “Spot”). I didn’t notice this phenomena until well after starting my daily rides in on the Blue Line, as I’m usually reading or watching something on my ipod. However, one morning I was standing on an otherwise-empty platform, and a woman walks up and stands literally less than a foot away from me! I wandered away wondering what the heck was going on, but when the train pulled up I realized what it was: I was standing right where the door was! After that I notice it every morning: the best of them congregate in the general area, but there are some who, right when the train comes into sight, get as close to the Spot as possible regardless of who is standing around.
Am I out of line to be bugged about this? I don’t mind if you are one of the first ones there and stand in the Spot, but when someone new to the scene, for lack of a better term, “cuts” in front of someone who is standing only a couple feet away from the Spot, that burns me. My feelings are exasperated due to the fact that my station is generally the last one on the Blue Line where seats are available in the morning, so I constantly see the same people pull the maneuver and take the last seat while someone who was waiting 10 minutes is left to stand.”
Excellent observation Porter! And one I’ve personally also been a little bugged by as well. See, I follow this rule - if I get to a MAX station… I observe my surroundings a little to see who is there. I think if you’re there and have been waiting, you should have a sort of “unwritten rule” of being able to board before those arriving after you do. And I know - this isn’t the case, a lot of people don’t think this way. It’s just my line of thinking.
Thoughts? Opinions on this? Has anyone else noticed this?
2 comments ↓
I do this for the buses, but there isn’t anyone who waits right at the spot about 2 feet to the left of the white line that buses stop at. Don’t see this as a problem. Anyone who gets there first can wait at that spot, it is no different than getting a chair to sit down or waiting in the periphery.
Last week I had a situation where I was running to catch a bus, I got to the line, and people didn’t seem to be urgently boarding the bus, so I made my way in. This guy gives me this look, and says “I hate the rain too buddy,” and he leans me out of the way. He was so pissed! I just had this grin on my face like, seriously, is it that vital you get on the bus before me?
The whole ride he gave me glares, and I continued with my grin. Quite amazing what people get worked up about…
It happens around the world.
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