With summer upon us once again, it is abundantly clear that certain seasonal CTA bus riders need guidance in rush-hour behavior:
– If the bus does not have operating air-conditioning and you sit by a window, open it. Even if it’s not 90 degrees out. Ever hear of a greenhouse?
– If there are no seats when you get on, move back. Do not plant yourself at the front of the bus and hang on for dear life. Move back or at least get out of the way so others can get by. Once you’re in the back, use the rear exit. Do not fight past all the others who are standing to get to the front door. The rear doors usually work just fine–try them.
– If you are standing, pay attention to what’s going on around you; someone may be trying to get to an exit. In no event straddle the aisle with arms over the handrails on both sides.
– Do not sit on the aisle, leaving the window seat empty. Everyone wants to spread out, but the bus is simply too crowded for this. No one deserves two seats while others stand. (The same goes for packages, purses and parcels.)
– Do not wait until the bus has reached your stop to get up and move toward the door. Pay attention and make your way to the exits before your stop. Someone standing may be able to take your seat, clearing the way to the door. A mad scramble to get out once the bus has stopped only inconveniences and delays everyone. Do not, however, get up four or five stops early; this only leads to unnecessary crowding of the aisles.
If everyone would just be a little less selfish and think of their fellow riders for a change, we will all get through the heat of summer a little easier.
