Navigating public transport and its unspoken code of conduct can be a minefield at the best of times: how soon before my stop do I start making it obvious that I need to get into the aisle? How long can I keep my bag on the empty seat next to me before it's rude? How much is an acceptable amount of eye contact with the person sitting opposite me?
For one Australian tradesman, who has been widely condemned online after a fellow passenger caught him acting "disrespectfully" on a train, the verdict is in: three breaches of public transport protocol.
The passenger, who goes by the username u/PmMeYourPasswordPlz, snapped a photo of the tradie on a Sydney train and later shared it to the popular subreddit r/trashy.
In the picture, the tradesman is seen with his dirty work boots resting on the empty seat opposite him, a dirty footprint clearly visible on the fabric. His bags were also on the seat, possibly taking up a space for another passenger.
"Filthy shoes on the train seat, blasting Netflix on full volume and of course, vaping…" u/PmMeYourPasswordPlz captioned the snap, which has been upvoted more than 5000 times and attracted over 400 comments.
The snap has attracted serious debate on the forum, although the majority of users agreed that the man's behaviour was inconsiderate in a shared space.
"The biggest problem with public transportation is the public. I'm not a fan of the public," one user deadpanned, with a second adding: "These people either have less than zero spatial awareness or they simply don't give a s**t."
"Welcome to Sydney," a third said, with another agreeing: "Tell me you're on a Sydney train, without telling me you're on a Sydney train."
"My guy had a long ass day but regardless you gotta have manners and respect, that's public transport," another declared.
Despite the significant backlash, some users came to the worker's defence and urged others to be less judgemental.
"The real trashy part here is all the judgement… all y'all can talk about is how dare they get the seat dirty or how bad they must smell," one said, with another agreeing: "Leave the guy alone."
Many agreed that muddy boots aside, playing music or entertainment at full volume or without headphones in a shared space was disrespectful. Vaping on public transport was more contentious, but plenty pointed out that it was thoughtless and insensitive to other people sitting near him.
As per 7News, Transport for NSW (New South Wales) outlines that any passenger caught with their feet on the seats can be stung with a maximum fine of AU$1100. A penalty notice of AU$100 can also be issued.
Smoking, which is understood to include vaping, can also be penalised with a fine of AU$300. Travellers are also asked to use headphones when using their mobile devices and to keep the volume down.
