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Etiquette Police on Public Transit
Posted March 25- 12:23 p.m
Apparently "Going Public" isn't the only one who believes manners are key on public transit. In fact, one agency thinks they should be enforced. Eagle-eyed reader Stephanie sent me this intriguing link to a BBC story about manners police in Japan. Thanks, Stephanie! Here's an excerpt from that piece:
"Newly appointed "etiquette police" will be asking travellers to turn down their headphones and give up their seats for their elders and betters.
The move comes amid growing concern that etiquette is losing its hallowed place in Japanese society.
A recent poll found nearly nine out of 10 respondents felt standards of public behaviour had declined."
So what do you think? Should we have manners police telling people to turn down iPods and stop seat-blocking or is that a waste of time and resources?
in Judge "Going Public" | View this letter only | Comments (2)Seven CTA Sins-- Constantly updating, so pile on
Posted March 25- 11:15 a.m
Today's "Going Public" explored the 7 CTA Sins, immutable rules that must not be broken on the rails and routes. If they are, I offer to don my black robes and get all Judge GP on CTA scofflaws. Here are the four sins in summary.
Thou shalt not litter.
Thou shalt not door-block.
Thou shalt not sit in priority seating.
Thou shalt not exhibit unwarranted attitude -- this goes for snarky CTA employees and rude riders alike.
Riders are adding even more via goingpublic@tribune.com. Thank you kindly! Here are some of the best suggestions:
Thou shalt not pratice your new rap routine on the CTA.-- John S., Chicago
Thou shall not tell me something to allay my anxiety over an incovenience CTA just created because of inefficency on its part. In other words don't announce that there is a train just behind when that one is going express also. This practice along with announced apologies do not help.-- B. Troyer, Lakeview
Thou shalt not play thy iPod loud. -- James Catalano
And thou shalt not block thee isle with thy stroller. -- James Catalano
Now come on, everyone else, post yours too. I'm also accepting cases to "rule on" if you feel you've been on the business end of CTA sins on the trains and buses.
in Judge "Going Public" | View this letter only | Comments (9)

