SAWANT: Rutgers students should prioritize bus etiquette
Column: Sincerely Rue
The Rutgers bus system is far from perfect. If we wanted to, we could create a list with thousands of items describing what could be improved. Chances are, though, that these qualms will probably go unaddressed for a while.
Yes — we need more buses to accommodate the clusters of people that pack into them like sardines. But practically speaking, this is not happening anytime soon. The only thing that we as students can change about the riding experience to make it somewhat bearable at the moment is for each of us to practice proper bus etiquette.
Following these unspoken rules can go a long way in ensuring we are making the best of a less-than-ideal public transportation situation and hopefully lowering students' collective blood pressure in the process. For example, one of my biggest pet peeves is being unable to get off the bus because people do not wait for others to exit first before they get on.
That whole process is quite unproductive for all parties involved. If you are at a bus stop, it is best practice to let people get off first and then get on yourself. There will be plenty of space to board after some of the crowd has thinned out, as opposed to trying to squirm your way onto a packed bus.
Also, make sure to take up only the space that you need. If the bus is starting to get crowded, please make sure your backpack is not taking up a seat! I cannot count the number of times I have gotten on an LX bus during rush hour and seen someone boldly place their backpack on the seat next to them to save their lap from the extra weight, which prevents someone else from getting a seat.
If the bus is relatively empty and everyone who wants a seat has one, then there is no problem with doing so. It is only when the bus is bursting at its seams that people should really be aware of how much space they are taking for themselves. Speaking of bursting at the seams, riding a full bus while standing is not really a graceful feat.
I get that it can be difficult, and if you are on the shorter side, you really need those poles to hold on to as opposed to the overhead bars or the hand loops dangling from them. In any case, when boarding an extremely crowded bus in which you must stand, it is best to move down as much as you can.
When you get on the bus, do not simply stand at the front or the middle if there is more room behind you. It gets harder for others to move around you, resulting in involuntary pushing and shoving that makes everyone uncomfortable.
My next plea seems self-explanatory, but you would be surprised at how many people seem to ignore this kind of common courtesy. If you are riding the bus, please be sure to clean up after yourself! I have seen all types of garbage littering these buses. While the buses may not be the most gorgeous or state-of-the-art, they should never be treated like dumps.
We still rely on them to get around, and the dripping air-conditioners do enough damage on their own. Food wrappers, mystery stains, spilled liquids, discarded personal items and more are often found by other riders. It is not fair to expect other students or the bus drivers to clean up after you. Bus drivers alone are already doing such important work by driving us from campus to campus. We must not expect them to deal with our disregarded personal items.
Lastly — and I am adding this here for good measure — thank your bus driver! You do not have to yell a "thank you" if you are exiting out the back doors, but if you are getting off at the front doors, take a second to thank them kindly as you are stepping off. They are the backbone of student life.
As I mentioned, they are doing a big job hauling us around wherever we need to go, and it is a job that is not easy by any means. Especially on those bad-weather days, we should be extra appreciative of our bus drivers who keep us safe and get us to our homes, apartments, classes, dining halls or any other place we find ourselves venturing to.
While there are many actions that Rutgers can take to improve their transportation system, there are also steps we can take on our own to make the buses the best they can be. Following the proper etiquette on the bus can make our rides easier for ourselves and the bus drivers. Whether we like it or not, we are going to be in each other's personal space when we are riding one. From one student to another, give each other the simple pleasure of a comfortable bus ride.
Rujuta Sawant is a Rutgers Business School junior majoring in business analytics and information technology and minoring in political science. Her column, "Sincerely Rue," runs on alternate Mondays.
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