Emily Post's Commuter Rules

Emily Post ruled the manners world way before we had urban transportation in the form of buses, subways and commuter rails. However, some of her common-sense courtesy rules should be mandatory during peak commute times. In her absence, here are my contributions to the world of Miss Manners...

1. When (and where) to get off
   Remember, if you let the people OFF the bus, subway, train before you barrel on, there will be more room for you. And if you're getting off, please don't stand in front of the door to make up your mind which way to go. That's a decision that either should be made before you get off, or, if you need more time, you should move out of the way to ponder.
2. Cell phonesGuess what? Almost everyone has a cell phone now. And most of us know how to use one without annoying everyone around us. But there are some who think that we're interested in their personal lives - their latest gynecological or proctal exam, breakup with their significant other, or arguments with their bill collectors/parole officers/mothers. We're not interested, no matter how loudly you talk.
3. Paying for your rideI see you waiting for the bus, just like I am. Sometimes it takes a while for it to come. We're standing together, then I get on the bus behind you. The only diffeence between us? I used the time before I got on the bus to get my change/pass/excuse ready. You? Dig through your purse, count out the change, etc. If you're late getting on the bus, I sympathise. But if you know you need to get change, why not do it before there's a line waiting behind you?
4. I can't wait until you get old/pregnant/hurt
   Karma is a bitch, which is the running theme through my favorite show right now: My Name is Earl. That's what I'm waiting for when I see younger people blatantly ignoring people who need a seat. I won't be able to see it, probably, but I can't wait until they get older, and some young punk ignores them when they need to sit.
5. BackpacksThe most lethal weapon on the bus/train isn't a heavy briefcase or a hot cup of coffee. No, the most lethal weapon is a backpack, stuffed with books, on the back of an oblivious idiot. I was taught to always be aware of the space around me, and watch for other people, even in back of me. Obviously, this is an art form that recent students haven't grasped.
6. IpodsI love my mp3 player! I love being able to listen to my music wherever I go. And I have some pretty great earbud headphones that drown out ambient noise. Therefore, I don't have to blast my music to get great sound. But when I'm in the zone, it's annoying to hear another person's player over mine. Let me repeat. I have my headphones in my ear, and still I can hear the person beside and even a few seats away. I feel like handing out pamphlets for hearing aids - they'll need them sooner rather than later.

Those are my top 6 pet peeves of commuting. Stay tuned, however. I'm still commuting, and I'm sure I'll come up with more.