Most of the time, riding public transit in North America is a painless affair. You pay a few bucks, you get on your bus, train, subway car and off you go. But every once in a while, you encounter people on the subway that make you question your faith in humanity.
We at HuffPost Canada look at the 13 people you meet in public transit hell. We hope that you, dear reader, are not among them or won't run into them on your commute.
1. The Backpack Guy
In most cities, it can get pretty crowded on public transit during rush hour, so we're not sure why people think it's OK to keep their 20 kg backpack on and use it as a mobile battering ram? Ever taken a backpack of textbooks to the head? It ain't pleasant.
2. The Outside Sitter
Oh? What's this? You want a seat? Sorry, you'll have to crawl over me to take this cramped seat by the window because I've taken this seat on the outside of this row. Sorry.
3. The 'I'm Gonna Stand Right Here' Guy
Oh, look at all these people who are trying to get by. Move to the back, you say? But I'm quite happy right here, don't you know. Why would I move?
4. Everyone Is INTERESTED In What I Have To Say
Remember public transit is public. Which means I don't really want to hear that cellphone argument you're having with your boyfriend about how he cheated on you and is a dirtbag. Besides, wouldn't you really feel better yelling that at his face?
5. The Sneezer
Woah, hey there Typhoid Mary, did you just sneeze in my face? Or all over that pole that I'm going to have to hold on to for the next 30 minutes? Thank you. Thank you soooo much.
6. The Elbower
In hockey, elbowing someone warrants a two-minute penalty. Sadly there are no penalty boxes on the local train. So keep your elbows and hip checks to yourself please.
7. The Foodie
Mmmmm, where did you get that shwarma? It smells delicious! Oh, look a puddle of tahini on that seat I wanted to take! Ewwww.
8. The Music Lover
Hey, enjoying your music is great. We bop along to music when we're on the subway all the time. But please, don't sing (or heaven forbid, rap) along.
9. Me And My Parcel
Oooh, those are nice shoes you bought at the mall. But does it really need a seat? Yes? Oh, I'm sorry. I'll just shuffle to the back now and quietly curse you under my breath.
10. The Casanova
Gentlemen, your subway train is not a place to try to pick up. It's just not. Don't leer. Don't harass. Just don't.
11. The Groomer
Look, the occasional swipe of the mascara wand en route to a date is to be expected, but you people with your toenail clippers bared and ready to roll? Get thee to a bathroom, or at the very least, a secluded park bench.
12. The Bouncer
What's that? Public transit doesn't employ people who guard doors, making sure only the appropriate patrons can get by? Well, someone forgot to tell this guy, who will stand directly in front of the doors even when he isn't planning on getting off the car anytime soon.
13. The Overly Comfortable Sort
You know, we've never understood what it could possibly be about those bus seats that compel people to take off their shoes and make themselves at home — but that doesn't mean we haven't been subjected to the sight, and smell, of them.
Do you have any public transit pet peeves? Share them with us in the comments.
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