home | the system | the trains | who's who | commuter types | commuter survival tips | etiquette & rules | out the window | contact

balance

______________________________________________________________________________________________

commuter11.jpg
COMMUTER SURVIVAL: master the art of train balancing whilst looking very nonchalant

Train drivers, much like bus drivers, are specifically taught to hurl their vehicle around corners, and stop sharply at stations. The jolting acceleration/braking combination is a badge of honour, and takes a number of years to perfect. Careful and considered manoeuvring and looking ahead to predict conditions or signals can lead to a smooth journey for passengers. This is strictly discouraged and is likely to end in disciplinary action for the employee involved.

Survival tips
If you're carrying a heavy bag or briefcase you should stand with this between your legs as it helps your balance. If you were really polite you would do this with your rucksack too so that you don't take up more space than necessary. You could solely lean on other passengers who can hold you upright purely by everyone's combined weight, but this only works if you're shorter than the average person. This can be dodgy though. If one person suddenly moves away or shifts their weight from one foot to another you can find yourself on the floor. Best advice is to spread your legs a bit (sorry girls but it's necessary) and somehow hang on to a bit of train with the tips of your fingernails. Free standing is technically more difficult than free running and is only for the brave or stupid.

 

 

stuff to keep you entertained on the daily commute

orangutan.jpg

themoralunderground.jpg
click to enlarge

if you want to make a nice comment about my blog please e-mail me at sue@themoaningcow.com.
Alternatively, if you are a train operator write to our complaints department, which doesn't have an address or phone number
.
Also see our disclaimer.