Entries Tagged 'TriMetiquette' ↓

What is the correct way of spelling out Portland’s public transportation system? Judging by their logo, it’s hard to really get a sense of how you should type it out:

However, if you investigate the TriMet site a bit further… and click on over to their linking to TriMet page, you’ll see that they clearly describe how their name should be written:

Please do not include a hyphen in the TriMet name or URL:
Correct: “Visit TriMet online at trimet.org”
Incorrect: “Visit Tri-Met online at tri-met.org”

I’ve seen it written with a hyphen… and I’m here to say that you shouldn’t be typing it that way (Lewis & Clark College, Oregon Live, Friends of Forest Park, Rev. Chuck Currie, Jack Bog & Ben DuPree). Remember: no hyphen!

TriMetiquette reader ckuskie asks:

“It was interesting reading recent posts about having bags on seats. What is the recommended etiquette for traveling to the airport on the Red line with luggage?”

Very good question, ckuskie!  In the case of having bags on the seat, I think it’s a whole different story when it comes to luggage items.  And I apologize for not being clear in previous posts about this issue… but I think if you have a piece of luggage that could possibly affect any rider’s ability to go about moving about the train if placed on the floor is perfectly acceptable being on the seat next to you.  Before, I was specifically talking about things like backpacks students have with them or perhaps some office ’sling’ bags that professionals use.

So yep, I think when it comes to luggage, and when you’re taking the red line to the PDX airport, bringing your luggage and placing it on a seat near you is 100% acceptable.

Anyone care to share thoughts and opinions about this?

Since when did a seat on the MAX or bus have a sign on it that said, “Your dirty feet are welcome to be placed here”?

Not only is this some “TriMetiquette” but isn’t this something that is universally taught all during schooling? You’re in elementary school - your teacher tells you to not put your feet up on a seat. You’re in high school - your teacher tells you not to as well. Now that you’re on the MAX though, it’s perfectly fine to do it! Come on now…

To me, putting your feet up on another is really a sign of disrespect. If there are people on the MAX or bus, then you’re disrespecting other people. If there aren’t any people riding at that time, then you’re disrespecting TriMet’s property.

So please: keep those feet off of the seat.

I am all for keeping my body as clean as possible. Some may say I have a little OCD. But, some of the ways we clean ourselves should be kept in the home, behind closed doors.

I am talking to you Mr. “Rides line 8 every morning and Q-Tips his ears on the bus”. I am almost to the point of vomiting when I see that you are going to be on the bus with me. Without fail, you sit down in the priority seating area and begin to go to down on your ears with the Q-Tips. You only pause to inspect your findings left on the Q-Tip. Really man, I love that you are keeping your ear canals clean, I do too. But I would beg of you to do that before you leave the house. I can’t keep from looking, its like a train wreck. STOP!

-brewcaster

I understand the average rider’s worry that they may miss their stop. But I want to raise awareness and safety concerns about a certain practice I have been noticing/getting annoyed by. I am referring to the common activity of half the riders all jumping up, pushing and shoving their way closer to the exit, WAYYYY before the stop.

I have yet to EVER witness a rider not able to get off when they wanted to. The drivers watch to make sure that all riders attempting to exit are able to do so. It can be a little annoying and sometimes downright dangerous as people push and maneuver around each other as a bus/train is applying brakes. Half the time the person you are trying to get around may be getting off at the same stop!

So please, wait until the bus/train reaches its stop before running for the doors. I don’t mind if you want to stand up, but please don’t start crowding an already crowded aisle.

You will get off, I promise.

-brewcaster

Are you placing the bag next to you because no one appears to want to sit down or are you placing it next to you because you don’t want anyone to sit next to you?

Both of these mentalities exist on the Portland MAX on a daily basis. Who is to say that the old woman with the unweildly bag doesn’t just want a place other than the ground to place her belongings? However, what if this old woman is actually a grumpy grandmother who hates sitting next to people?

Here’s what I think - someone placing their bag on the seat next to him/her doesn’t automatically mean that person is a jerk.

Though, I will say if someone approaches the seat, the seated individual should establish some sort of eye contact with the interested rider to see if they have the intent or desire to sit. If so, shuffle that bag over to your lap because your bag doesn’t have precedence over a human being. If you see an influx of people getting on the MAX, elect to move your bag over to your lap or show that, yes, you would move your bag if someone was interested in sitting.

No one deserves to have to stand if they wish to sit down in a seat occupied by a bag.

Note: portions of this TriMetiquette post appeared on PDX Pipeline - a Portland Arts, Music & Events blog

This photo is an example of an area on the Max you are not supposed to stand. On the Max I believe this to be a pretty “light rule”. True, standing here may impede the ramp from extending, but I have yet to see that happen. When the train is full, sometimes you gotta stand here.

But MORE IMPORTANTLY, there is a similar area on the buses where you should not be standing unless the next stop is yours. I want to encourage riders to not stand in the little area where the back door is. It makes it very difficult for riders to exit around you in a space meant for a single person to walk through.

Don’t be that guy (or girl, but that seems to be rare)

-brewcaster