Subway and Cell Phone Etiquette

Since there's been some discussion on Gothamist about the possibility of cell phones on the subway, Ask Gothamist thought we'd revisit some of our past advice about subway etiquette and cell phone etiquette.

Ask Gothamist recommends:

Don't do your personal grooming on the subway.
Keep your feet off the seats.
Don't let your wet umbrella drip on your fellow passengers.
After multiple swipes that won't work at a turnstile, step aside.
We'd also like to add: Don't sit with your legs spread so far apart that you essentially take up two to three seats rather than one.

Hang up the cell phone while talking to store clerks.
Don't whip out the cell when the subway goes above ground for unneccesary, loud conversations.

Check out cellmanners.com for more tips on cell phone usage.

Need advice? Ask Gothamist! E-mail ask(at)gothamist(dot)com.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Janine Annett in Miscellaneous on July 12, 2005 1:41 PM

Comments [rss]

Effurt

Meh, my portable cellphone jammer will still work underground. Sit near me for the "quiet car". Now just need to figure out how to make cells explode if you try to "test" more than one ringtone in a public space.

Jayme Maultasch

The Radar ad in your RSS feed is incredibly annoying!

Kojak

I’m afraid that’s impossible L.

If we close our legs for you, sperm production will but severely cut for us guys. That’s a chance we're not willing to take.

Rose

Oh yeah? If I want to hear you yack away on your cellphone about this guy and that guy while I am trying to enjoying fireworks then it's a very good thing (for you) that you moved so far away it was like poof! Evil one begone!

L

i'm sure there's a parallel gripe for women here, but gentlemen please don't open your legs so wide that you take up 1 seat and 1/3 of the seat on either side of you. I sympathize with the plight of your oft-awkward physical arrangement down there, but air out your stuff elsewhere.

Kojack answers bob denver

Yes bob. As long as you bring your own book of matches and toilet paper. Make sure you hide it under newspaper so no one will notice the sight of it, only the smell.

eye plaud

Sounds like there's gonna be a showdown on the train, between obnoxious iPod users and obnoxious cell phone users. I predict a good brawl.

bob denver

Dear Gothamist,

I recently read an article on your website about public pooping on the sidewalk. Sometimes during the evening rush hour I feel the urge on my long train ride home. Is it o.k. to poop on the the subway train?

Kojak

I'll gladly give my seat to anyone who looks like they are having trouble standing on their own...

Except old people. Too many times have I been pushed out of the way by some old Curmudgeon trying to get a seat without saying excuse me. If they look exceptionally kind, with that grandfather or grandmother type persona, maybe. If you look miserable and depressing... No Dice

S.D.

In the words of Homer:

Doh!

kristin

People have no qualms about not giving up seats -- be it pregnant women, small children or handicapped people. THe other day a guy on crutches got on the train and no one gave up a seat. He had to stand there leaning on the doors and trying to clutch the rail while holding the crutches. Pathetic.

celliecell

Sometimes people really don't realize their behavior is upsetting others and if they read about it/hear about it elswhere, and then they just might change it. There was a woman at my gym who said she honestly had no idea that people talking on cell phones in the locker room bothered other people. Maybe it's just me, but I get really annoyed when people have long conversations on cell phones in locker rooms - a quick "Yes, I'll be there in 5 minutes" is fine; but a loooong conversation about all your health problems or childcare issues is pushing it.

hr

and a big F U to WOMEN who don't get up for pregnant women. you're equally capable of giving up your seat too instead of always bitching men don't do it. i see it just as often.

Margaret

Here's a subway etiquette tip MOST of NY needs to learn:

Give a pregnant woman a seat!

Sure, it's our own fault we got knocked up. Still, it is really hard to walk all over the city, navigate the subway stairs and then stand for the ride when you are lugging an extra person on your swollen cankles. Just think, if that was you or your wife (whatever) you'd want someone to give up their seat.

Have a heart and help out those of us taking it upon ourselves to further the species.

g

SD, if you read the two posts, they are not doubles. One's an insult of the other.

Tom

The problem with all of these recommendations is not that they're valid - they are - but that those for whom they're intended wouldn't read this site in a million years.

S.D.

What's with the Double post from two Anonymous Name? Honestly, If you don't like what you see, don't come here...

Back on Topic:

Gotta agree with Kevin, about cell phones etiquette, but herding cats is easy with Tuna...

;-)

Aaron

You know what I've been noticing more and more is people playing games on their cellphones on the subway or just testing out ringtones. But recently (at least twice in the last week) it's been the former, and obviously, I don't care if you want to and can play Tetris or Solitaire or whatever on your phone, but turn the damn sound off. When I can hear it over my iPod, you've definitely got it on too loud.

steve

My first thought when I see a "Gothamist" comment is always, "Who gives a rats ass what "Gothamist" readers thinks???"

But then I wonder, are there actually people writing in to Gothamist with their random comments?

Honestly, people, take the hypocrisy out of your asses.

Will

My first thought when I see an "Ask Gothamist" column is always, "Who gives a rats ass what "Gothamist" thinks???"

But then I wonder, are there actually people earnestly writing in to Gothamist with their moral quandaries?

Honestly, people, take the sticks out of your asses.