How transit etiquette can improve everyone’s journey

A SkyTrain is seen at Main Street-Science World Station in this undated photo provided by TransLink.

Being on public transit can be an assault to the senses. From the buses lacking air conditioning to the jam-packed trains, you never know what you might encounter on your commute.

According to 2024 figures, TransLink has the second-highest overall ridership in Canada, right behind Montreal, and the third-highest bus ridership across all Canadian and American transit agencies. With more people opting for public transit, and the busiest routes consistently facing higher volumes, the average transit rider may experience an unpleasant trip every once in a while.

According to TransLink’s 2025 Q4 performance report, 66 per cent of riders ranked overall transit service as good-to-excellent, but the overcrowding issue may be bringing the overall score down. Less than half of regular bus riders gave good-to-excellent ratings on overcrowding, and only 43 per cent of SkyTrain users gave favourable ratings.

Crowding itself may not be the actual issue. When buses and trains are overcrowded, people are forced into closer proximity. Transit users are reporting online that an increasing number of fellow riders won’t remove their backpacks to make space or look up from their phones when they’re in someone’s path.

According to etiquette expert Julie Blais Comeau, this issue is becoming all too common.

“Etiquette starts to happen from the moment that you step away from your bubble, and you come into contact with other people,” she explains. “Some of the younger generations are feeling a lot of anxiety when coming into contact with other people, or don’t seem to have a sense of where their bubble ends, and then they could be impeding or even bursting someone else’s bubble.”

TransLink’s Rider Guide outlines what good etiquette on transit looks like. It includes things like waiting for others to exit before boarding, keeping noise to a minimum, and being considerate with personal hygiene.

“TransLink encourages customers to follow proper transit etiquette for the convenience and comfort of fellow riders. Taking transit means sharing the same space, and even the simplest actions can make a trip more pleasant for everyone,” a TransLink spokesperson wrote in an email to CTV News.

While etiquette tips aren’t enforced on transit, they are considered a common courtesy. Elizabeth Burnett, founder and president of Elizabeth Etiquette, says this courtesy is all about respecting those around you.

“It’s about awareness, composure, and consideration,” Burnett said. “Whether you’re young or a seasoned traveller, you have the opportunity to demonstrate respect, patience, and quiet confidence and make the most of your journey with others.”

TransLink says it regularly launches etiquette and rider safety campaigns, mainly on social media to expand the reach. Riders can also see these banners displayed on different transit vehicles.

Besides showing respect for fellow riders and keeping the peace on your journey, Burnett says that practising good transit etiquette might lead to pleasant surprises, too.

“I think travel offers us the opportunity to demonstrate refinement beyond the familiar,” she said. " You share spaces in close quarters that call for awareness, composure, and gracious consideration for others, and my hope is that one day everyone will adhere to this and you never know, strike up a friendship on public transit."

Remembering to share the space, share your seat, and share a smile are transit tips everyone can follow to make public transit a pleasant place to be.