ADVERTISEMENT

Common sense really isn’t as common as you think. Or as common as it needs to be! The simple fact of the matter is that when we’re in public, we’re not alone and have to respect others. We know, we know, we can practically hear some of you Pandas laughing and saying, “That’s what the word ‘public’ means, doofus.” It’s an obvious thing. But just how obvious is it, really?

When you go on public transport—whether that’s the subway (aka the metro, aka the tube), your local triple-decker bus, or some sort of large communal skateboard—you expect people to Behave A Certain Way. At the end of the day, even though you expect to see a bit of weirdness on public transportation, all you want is some basic courtesy. The guy dressed as a literal clown by the window may be the politest person in town, but that sharply dressed fellow sitting right over yonder can be the rudest, most infuriating individual you’ve ever met.

Bored Panda has collected proof that some passengers have absolutely no clue how to behave on public transport, and should seriously reconsider their life values. Scroll down for the worst of the worst, upvote the pics that made you go ‘ew!’ and ‘yuck!’, and tell us all about all the horrible things you’ve seen on your commute, dear Pandas.

Bored Panda wanted to get to grips with public transportation etiquette and culture, so we reached out to Rick McGuire, the mastermind behind the ‘Subway Creatures’ social media project that documents unusual commuters on the New York subway. He was kind enough to answer our questions. You'll find our full interview with him below, so be sure to read on.

Oh, and if you’ve got a twinge of Faith in Humanity left that you don’t mind losing, definitely check out Bored Panda’s previous features about subway strangeness, here and here.

Happy scrolling… just make sure you’re not eating anything at the moment. Got your hand sanitizer and Unsee Juice(™) with you? All right, let’s go.

#2

What's That Stank?

What's That Stank?

Cory0527 Report

Add photo comments
POST
bexsharp88 avatar
Small and Annoyed
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Someone please take my eyes out and wipe my brain so I can forget I've seen this, and never see it again

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#3

Caught This Woman Sitting In Front Of Me On A Plane Sending Some Very Alarming Texts

Caught This Woman Sitting In Front Of Me On A Plane Sending Some Very Alarming Texts

tristydotj Report

Rick, the founder of 'Subway Creatures,' told Bored Panda what the passenger culture is like on the New York subway.

"One way to spot a true New Yorker on the subway is to find the person minding their own business and not distracted by anything going on around them," he said.

"They don’t sit under the subway map because they know that’s inviting tourists to stand over them while they try to navigate the city. They don’t clap for the 'Showtime' performers and they know that if there’s an empty subway car, there’s a reason no one’s on it—time to move to the next!"

#4

First Of All, Her Hair Is Right In My Face. Second Of All, Where Is My Plane Going

First Of All, Her Hair Is Right In My Face. Second Of All, Where Is My Plane Going

OnceJazz366 Report

Add photo comments
POST
flyusx avatar
The Idaho Potato
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If the aircraft is going vertical, perhaps the hair would be understandable.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#5

It’s Going To Be A Long Flight

It’s Going To Be A Long Flight

jangro Report

#6

This Is The One Thing I Am Most Worried About Before Getting On A Plane

This Is The One Thing I Am Most Worried About Before Getting On A Plane

Addian4 Report

Add photo comments
POST
goobernmooch avatar
Brazen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd have to complain. I really despise feet and this would probably make me feel very sick.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

We also wanted to know whether the 'culture' found in one form of public transport differs from that in another, e.g. subways and buses. Here's what Rick, from 'Subway Creatures,' told us: "A lot of the same people and same etiquette apply to all forms of transportation in NYC."

He continued: "However, the subway is unique in that there are platforms, tunnels, and subway cars which present opportunities for many different 'activities' compared to the buses or ferry. You are much less likely to catch performers, musicians, and weird situations on a crosstown bus—but I’m not saying that doesn’t happen!"

#7

Sitting Like This On A Plane

Sitting Like This On A Plane

Antman0528 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#9

This Parent Brings Her Own Potty Seat On Board, And Sets It In The Aisle Midflight For Her Child To Use

This Parent Brings Her Own Potty Seat On Board, And Sets It In The Aisle Midflight For Her Child To Use

When discovered by the crew, she was told she couldn't do it and would have to use an unoccupied lavatory, and her reply: "I don't care".

passengershaming Report

Add photo comments
POST
jnjulian1983 avatar
Jessica J.
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So, have the cops waiting for her when she lands, and put her on the blacklist.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Meanwhile, Rick shared some of his insights about how the Covid-19 pandemic had affected the subway in New York City.

"For a while during the pandemic, the NYC subway system was pretty desolate and people were very wary about traveling places around strangers. That has visibly changed in the last year or so and it’s very obvious that more people are now using it again," he said.

ADVERTISEMENT

"For some reason, crime has spiked in the subway since the pandemic and that’s another leading cause to why some people refuse to use it these days. It seems more and more people are either walking places or using other means of transportation such as bikes, electric scooters, etc. It’ll be interesting to see if this trend continues in the future."

#11

Someone Left These Used Cotton Swabs On This Train Window

Someone Left These Used Cotton Swabs On This Train Window

dinomine3000 Report

#12

The Final Manspreading Boss

The Final Manspreading Boss

hide4way Report

Look, let’s have a frank chat, Pandas: hygiene is important. Everyone gets sweaty and that’s completely natural, but there’s a limit to how ‘comfortable’ you get on public transport. We draw the line at people taking off their shoes and socks on the subway.

You shouldn’t be going barefoot in places like these! First of all, it’s dirty. Secondly—and more importantly—think of all the other passengers next to you. Some folks stick their stinky, smelly, icky feet into other people’s personal space, and it’s so gross that you don’t need a list like this one to tell you that it’s wrong.

ADVERTISEMENT

Some passengers go as far as clipping their nails on the tube. Others clean their ears and leave the q-tips for someone else to clean up. Those are definitely worse behaviors than forgetting about your empty bag of crisps. Just… pick up after yourself. Please! Public transport isn’t a public toilet. It’s also not your home where you can do pretty much whatever you want to.

#13

On My Flight To Germany. She Was Squeezing His Pimples For About 1 Hour. He Even Took His Shirt Off So That She Could Squeeze The Pimples On His Back

On My Flight To Germany. She Was Squeezing His Pimples For About 1 Hour. He Even Took His Shirt Off So That She Could Squeeze The Pimples On His Back

theMiezmiez Report

Add photo comments
POST
emily-kohler avatar
American Panda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Legitimate question: is her face blurry because her identity is being protected, or is she wearing a face shield so that his zit pus doesn’t hit her in the face?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Then you have your ‘classics’ like pretty awful excuses for human beings taking up way too many seats when it’s crowded. This goes beyond not giving up your seat for those who might need it more and enters the territory of So Incredibly Selfish We Can’t Believe Their Parents Didn’t Teach Them Better.

Something that the Covid-19 pandemic should have taught everyone was the importance of personal hygiene, keeping your distance from others, and wearing face masks. Alas! It seems like far from everyone learned those lessons.

And we’re back to where we were before the pandemic: personal space being invaded by people’s feet (socks optional) and clutter friggin everywhere. Behavior like that is making us seriously consider how deep selfishness can actually go. Not everyone is able to respect common-sense boundaries. But to repeat ourselves, common sense ain’t that common.

ADVERTISEMENT
#16

Oblivious Woman Sitting In Front Of My Dad On A 5-Hour Flight

Oblivious Woman Sitting In Front Of My Dad On A 5-Hour Flight

Orygun-Not-Orygone Report

#17

The People In Front Of Me On My Flight Home

The People In Front Of Me On My Flight Home

lAMAraindog Report

Add photo comments
POST
emily-kohler avatar
American Panda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Were they on the plane for 3 weeks or something?! It takes a legitimate amount of time to accumulate that much trash!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

“We Sterilize Every Flight” But Apparently Do Not Remove Human Hair From A Cup Holder Do We Jetblue?

“We Sterilize Every Flight” But Apparently Do Not Remove Human Hair From A Cup Holder Do We Jetblue?

SNUFFYCAKES Report

Researchers led by Christopher Mason, who had done a 2015 study on the microbes found in the New York subway system, discovered that each city had a different microbial makeup. In other words, researchers could predict with a whopping 88% accuracy which city a sample came from. 

The researchers found 748 bacteria and 10,928 viruses that had not been identified at that point. Though the vast majority of these are (probably) of no concern, it suggests that public transport can be the perfect melting pot for the spread and mutation of new illnesses.

However much we might frown at public transport, it’s not all bad. You can use your commute to catch up on various things, browse some memes, or take a break from everything (...or at least that’s what we tell ourselves to hide the fact that we really REALLY hate long commutes and think they’re soul-crushingly evil in a completely mundane way).

ADVERTISEMENT
#20

Dude Takes His Massive Mastiff On The Bus And Fails To Control The Dog. Dog Is Barking Every 10 Seconds. Bonus Points For The Dude's Butt Hanging Out

Dude Takes His Massive Mastiff On The Bus And Fails To Control The Dog. Dog Is Barking Every 10 Seconds. Bonus Points For The Dude's Butt Hanging Out

ends1995 Report

Add photo comments
POST
soupofbean avatar
Froggi Juice
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate when peoples pants hang down and you can get see their butts, like, do they seriously not feel the breeze, the cold bus chair maybe? Smh

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#21

This Guy On A Plane Ate And Then Threw The Rest Of The Meal He Didn't Eat In The Hall

This Guy On A Plane Ate And Then Threw The Rest Of The Meal He Didn't Eat In The Hall

Aldonza20 Report

Rita Friedman, a career coach, previously told Bored Panda that commutes are literally transitional units of space and time, so a lot of commuters use it “as a break between the responsibilities of home and the responsibilities of work or school.”

“It's the perfect moment to look at pictures of failed cakes or animals making funny faces. It's just nice to have time where nobody is holding you accountable," career coach Rita told Bored Panda that commutes can be relaxing if we choose to take the time to unwind.

#22

This Guy On My Train Making Butt To Fabric Contact With His Seat

This Guy On My Train Making Butt To Fabric Contact With His Seat

AllMyNamesAreTooLong Report

Add photo comments
POST
bilieghberrie avatar
Biliegh Berrie
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He has a mask on but not worried about what his a*s could catch. Wtf is wrong with people. This entire article makes me sick. There is something seriously wrong with today's society!!!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#23

Putting Gum In The Charging Slots On Public Transport

Putting Gum In The Charging Slots On Public Transport

adam_finn Report

#24

Parents Who Can't Take Care Of Their Children On A Commute

Parents Who Can't Take Care Of Their Children On A Commute

FarrelMFajar Report

Add photo comments
POST
onegemini101 avatar
June Gem
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's not she can't she just doesn't want to parent. She is the type of parent that annoys the heck out of me because she lets her kids run wild and does nothing

View more commentsArrow down menu

According to the career coach, “zoning out” can be very therapeutic during our journey to or from work or our studies. Different people deal with stress in different ways.

"That might be scrolling through social media or half-listening to a podcast. I'll also say some of my best ideas have come to me when I've been staring out a window or at a wall. If work is really taxing, you might find that bringing something on your ride lets you focus away from the distractions of the office—it actually might be a lot easier to knock out a report without a chatty coworker hovering nearby."

#25

Compilation Of "Nightmare On A Plane"

Compilation Of "Nightmare On A Plane"

girolski07 Report

#27

Elderly Lady Behind Me On A Flight. Even After Asking Nicely, She Wouldn't Move Them And Told Me To Try Meditation To Calm Down

Elderly Lady Behind Me On A Flight. Even After Asking Nicely, She Wouldn't Move Them And Told Me To Try Meditation To Calm Down

th3m4st4 Report

Others choose to use their commutes to catch up on their personal communications, focus on managing their work calendars, and just plain get ready for the day or the week ahead. It’s time for prep that can help you instantly get stuck into work or your studies. On the flip side, relaxing during your commute also has its upsides.

"You might also find yourself more productive at work if you spend your commute doing something like reading or playing a strategy game that gets your brain warmed up. If you are actively walking / driving / biking, taking a different route can help shake things up and break up the monotony," the coach said.

#29

Some Guy Clipping His Toe Nails On City A Bus

Some Guy Clipping His Toe Nails On City A Bus

fzkhn Report

See Also on Bored Panda

"Unless you have a very long commute, it's probably pushing it to try to get into any kind of study or meaningful work that requires a state of flow, but it could be a good time to watch a 5-minute refresher tutorial on a new skill you're working on or to skim through an article your colleagues will also have read."

#31

A Little In Flight Lobster

A Little In Flight Lobster

dragonslayar Report

#32

Public Transportation Is Not Your Living Room

Public Transportation Is Not Your Living Room

thn_perish Report

#33

Dad Letting His Kid Climb The Luggage Rack On A Train

Dad Letting His Kid Climb The Luggage Rack On A Train

ioncoddingtonagain Report

#36

A Friend Shared This Photo Of A Guy On His Bus Eating A Pack Of Raw Mince Meat And Pork Chops Straight Out Of The Packet

A Friend Shared This Photo Of A Guy On His Bus Eating A Pack Of Raw Mince Meat And Pork Chops Straight Out Of The Packet

lodge28 Report

#38

This Is What I Came Back To After Leaving My Seat For The Toilet

This Is What I Came Back To After Leaving My Seat For The Toilet

I was on a 9-hour flight and my seat was broken so the flight attendant told me to sit next to this woman. 2 seats next to her were free. The woman told me that I couldn't sit there because she had another layover and needed to sleep.

lolleknolle Report

#39

This Guy On My Bus To Work Sat Like This In The Elderly/Disabled Priority Section And Was Playing His Crappy Music

This Guy On My Bus To Work Sat Like This In The Elderly/Disabled Priority Section And Was Playing His Crappy Music

Helloimanonymoose Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#40

Taking All Of The Seats During Rush Hour

Taking All Of The Seats During Rush Hour

klok52jasdert Report

#41

People Who Leave A Train Like This

People Who Leave A Train Like This

HMSBannard Report

Add photo comments
POST
izzshahzad avatar
izzy (pan)da
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

public transport needs to start including billing info when they scan your ticket in -- find the disgusting miscreants off CCTV and bill them for the damage they cause to public transport the same way hotels do if you ruin their rooms. should stopper much of this vile behaviour. the only things these pigs hate more than basic human decency and hygiene is having to pay for anything

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#42

This Guy On My 9-Hour Flight Just Plugged These Bad Boys In Once They Turned Off The Lights (11:30PM)

This Guy On My 9-Hour Flight Just Plugged These Bad Boys In Once They Turned Off The Lights (11:30PM)

deadraibead39 Report

Add photo comments
POST
o0oxstormxo0o avatar
Lesbian Sloth
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not the worst... Afraid of the dark, maybe. Might be his only headphones, too

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#43

Spotted This Kid Next To Me Jumping And Climbing On His Seat While The Plane Was Landing. Parents Please

Spotted This Kid Next To Me Jumping And Climbing On His Seat While The Plane Was Landing. Parents Please

LeDeferon Report

Add photo comments
POST
fwteinialvanaki avatar
Panda
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also the kid across the aisle. Sitting on the lap of someone. The kid is too big not to have his own seat.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#44

Watched Her Eat These And Then Just Toss Them On The Bus Floor

Watched Her Eat These And Then Just Toss Them On The Bus Floor

wheresyourbubble Report

#45

As A Cabin Crew, To See This Mess After The Flight

As A Cabin Crew, To See This Mess After The Flight

vincisda Report

#46

The Girl On The Plane Next To Me Decided To Make Herself Really Comfortable On My Flight To LA Today

The Girl On The Plane Next To Me Decided To Make Herself Really Comfortable On My Flight To LA Today

Figgywithit Report

Add photo comments
POST
dizzied avatar
Dizzie D
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is the worse one, she's putting her feet on the tray YOU eat food off. Slap those toes hard!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#47

Someone Took Off Their Mask To Block The AC Vent In A Public Bus

Someone Took Off Their Mask To Block The AC Vent In A Public Bus

NOCHNOY_ Report

#48

Never Thought It’ll Happen To Me. 6-Hour Flight, Touched Me 3 Times

Never Thought It’ll Happen To Me. 6-Hour Flight, Touched Me 3 Times

mr_hargao Report

#49

Clipping Your Nails On The Train And Letting Them Fly Everywhere

Clipping Your Nails On The Train And Letting Them Fly Everywhere

MagretFume Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#50

Alone In The Bus Until Somebody Gets In And Decides To Sit There, Despite The Social Distancing Regulation

Alone In The Bus Until Somebody Gets In And Decides To Sit There, Despite The Social Distancing Regulation

Rheavens Report

Note: this post originally had 110 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.