50 Times People Just Had To Take A Photo Of Absolute Jerks Taking Public Transport (New Pics)

Anyone who has stepped foot on public transport probably knows this pain all too well. At least, it looks like it from all the photos our team atBored Pandamanaged to find where passengers are acting like complete nuisances. Below you’ll find a whole list of the most frustrating commuters' behaviors, proving that common decency needs to be more common.

While you’re scrolling, make sure to check out a conversation with etiquette and diplomatic protocol consultant, founder ofManners with Kristinaand author of Elevate Your Presence, Kristina Szabova, and etiquette expert and founder ofEtiquette Consulting Inc., Jules Martinez Hirst, who kindly agreed to discuss with us public transport etiquette.

This post may includeaffiliate links.

People tried to talk to her, but then she even started chanting. „Everyone should listen to this! Jesus is the only true god! He is our saviour!“ and so on… Religious people like this are ridiculous.

Public transport passenger taking up extra seats, using a phone on a train.

A passenger with dirty boots occupies multiple seats on public transport, bags beside them.

My wife and I are on our honeymoon in Italy and the jet lag has basically ruined our sleep schedule. No worries, we’ll just sleep on the train, right? Nope! Instead, we get to listen to hours of shitty TikTok audio courtesy of two apparently socially challenged, self-centered teens. When did it become okay to blast your phone while the people around you are clearly trying to sleep?

Train passenger with feet on table, using phone; an example of infuriating public transport behavior.

“Impolite behaviors on public transport often arise because people are absorbed in their own world—running late, rushing to work, or simply zoning out,” explains etiquette and diplomatic protocol consultant, founder ofManners with Kristinaand author of Elevate Your Presence, Kristina Szabova.“It’s common to see commuters blockingtraindoors, not letting others off first, or taking up extra space during peak hours. I believe that in most cases, these actions aren’t intentionally rude but it’s more a case of being unaware of how small actions can inconvenience others.”

“It’s common to see commuters blockingtraindoors, not letting others off first, or taking up extra space during peak hours. I believe that in most cases, these actions aren’t intentionally rude but it’s more a case of being unaware of how small actions can inconvenience others.”

Passenger sprawled across seats with clothes on the floor, embodying infuriating public transport behavior.

Pregnant woman asking for a seat on a crowded bus, highlighting infuriating public transport passengers.

Chopped carrots and green beans left on a public transport seat tray.

While living inLondon, she has seen plenty of such ignorant commuter behaviors herself.“Living in London and often traveling during rush hour on the Tube, I’ve seen my fair share of questionable behaviors—people doing their makeup, clipping nails, spraying perfume, eating food with overpowering smells, playing music without headphones, and even leaving behind empty bottles or rubbish. These moments often highlight how easy it is to prioritise our own convenience over being considerate of others in shared spaces.”

While living inLondon, she has seen plenty of such ignorant commuter behaviors herself.

“Living in London and often traveling during rush hour on the Tube, I’ve seen my fair share of questionable behaviors—people doing their makeup, clipping nails, spraying perfume, eating food with overpowering smells, playing music without headphones, and even leaving behind empty bottles or rubbish. These moments often highlight how easy it is to prioritise our own convenience over being considerate of others in shared spaces.”

Passengers on public transport sitting with legs stretched, occupying extra space.

Two passengers blocking a bus doorway, illustrating infuriating public transport behavior.

Passengers in line at a bus stop, highlighting public transport challenges.

Etiquette expert and founder ofEtiquette Consulting Inc., Jules Martinez Hirst, agrees that we can be absorbed in our own little worlds. That’s why we often forget to be mindful of others.She also notes that we can be less tolerant of questionable behaviors on public transport, as busy schedules and crowded spaces can cause people to run out of patience.“The riders of public transportation make up a wide demographic of people. Although different in makeup, they all commute in crowded spaces with crazy schedules and little to no personal space, so it is easy for people to snap at the littlest thing,” she says.

Etiquette expert and founder ofEtiquette Consulting Inc., Jules Martinez Hirst, agrees that we can be absorbed in our own little worlds. That’s why we often forget to be mindful of others.

She also notes that we can be less tolerant of questionable behaviors on public transport, as busy schedules and crowded spaces can cause people to run out of patience.

“The riders of public transportation make up a wide demographic of people. Although different in makeup, they all commute in crowded spaces with crazy schedules and little to no personal space, so it is easy for people to snap at the littlest thing,” she says.

Broken USB port on public transport, causing frustration for passengers looking to charge devices.

Busy commute to work and this woman is leaning against the pole, on her phone, taking up as much room as possible preventing people from getting on the train while leaning on my hand the entire commute.She turned around and angrily stared at me like I was invading her personal space. The entitlement is simply incredible to witness

Crowded subway with public transport passengers standing, one person holding a pole, creating an infuriating experience.

Barefoot passenger with legs on seat, causing discomfort on public transport.

According to etiquette experts, behaviors that are unacceptable on public transportation include:Playing music or videos without headphones.Having loud conversations, whether in person or over the phone.Occupying extra seats with bags during busy times.Eating smelly or messy food.Grooming like brushing hair or clipping nails.Ignoring priority seating for those who genuinely need it.Leaving behind litter or empty bottles.

According to etiquette experts, behaviors that are unacceptable on public transportation include:

Sunflower seed shells scattered on the floor of a public transport vehicle under blue seats.

So I was on a ride home from school on the bus, and it was pouring rain. So what does the girl in front of me do? Open her window. I asked her multiple times nicely if she could close it, to which she refused. At this point, I was soaked, and frustrated, so I closed the window. Guess what she does? Opens it back up, so the water continues to hit me.

Person with glasses and mask on public transport, next to a window seat.

Passenger on public transport with long hair over the seat, holding a can of drink in hand.

“It’s important to remember that public transport is a shared space, and it reflects how you present yourself to others,” says Szabova. “While you might argue that doing your makeup isn’t inconveniencing anyone, ask yourself—would you do your makeup in front of your boss? It’s not just about the act itself but the impression it leaves on those around you. How you behave in public spaces speaks volumes about you, so be considerate, respectful, and mindful of the shared environment.”

A public transport passenger taking up multiple seats by lying down in casual attire.

A woman braiding another’s hair on public transport, passengers around seemingly unaware.

Public transport passenger spreading belongings on the seat.

If a person sees fellow passengers violating any of these recommended rules, etiquette experts advise, addressing it, but of course, with caution, grace, tact, and kindness.“For example, if someone is blocking a seat, you could politely ask,“Excuse me, is this seat taken?”instead of pointing out their lack of manners,” says Szabova.“I recall a moment on a quiet bus when a man was playing music loudly without headphones. Another passenger leaned over and said with a smile,“I love that song, but could you turn it down a little? Some of us are trying to relax.”The man smiled back, apologised, and put on his headphones—it was a perfect example of how kindness can defuse a situation,” she shared.

If a person sees fellow passengers violating any of these recommended rules, etiquette experts advise, addressing it, but of course, with caution, grace, tact, and kindness.

“For example, if someone is blocking a seat, you could politely ask,“Excuse me, is this seat taken?”instead of pointing out their lack of manners,” says Szabova.

“I recall a moment on a quiet bus when a man was playing music loudly without headphones. Another passenger leaned over and said with a smile,“I love that song, but could you turn it down a little? Some of us are trying to relax.”The man smiled back, apologised, and put on his headphones—it was a perfect example of how kindness can defuse a situation,” she shared.

Public transport bench covered in chewing gum, highlighting inconsiderate passenger behavior.

On the train and I finished a chapter in my book and got up to put the book in my bag that was on the storage rack (I didn’t have time to finish another chapter before we got to my station) and came back and the lady had put her bag in my seat.

Bag occupying seat on public transport, frustrating fellow passengers.

Passenger sprawled across subway seats, taking up space, wearing a large hat, illustrating public transport passenger issues.

Public transport passenger with feet on the seat, showing inconsiderate behavior.

Person sprawled across bus seats, showcasing infuriating public transport passenger behavior.

Crowded bus with people’s feet on seats, displaying habits of infuriating public transport passengers.

To ensure a pleasant commute for everyone, etiquette experts provide a few rules that public transport passengers should stick to:

Wet public transport seat causing discomfort for passengers.

Passenger sitting on train stairs despite warning sign, showcasing public transport behavior.

Public transport passengers sitting with feet stretched across in a train car.

“A little kindness and self-awareness can make all the difference. Whether it’s offering a smile, helping someone with heavy luggage, or saying “thank you” to the driver, these small gestures can transform a busy, chaotic commute into a more pleasant experience for everyone. After all, how we behave in shared spaces reflects not just our manners but also our respect for one another,” says Szabova.“Gratitude and kindness go a long way,” agrees Hirst. “Thank people or give a nod when someone gives you their seat or helps you with your bag to show you appreciate their gesture. A little thoughtfulness can make public transportation better for everyone.”

“Gratitude and kindness go a long way,” agrees Hirst. “Thank people or give a nod when someone gives you their seat or helps you with your bag to show you appreciate their gesture. A little thoughtfulness can make public transportation better for everyone.”

Abandoned drinks litter the public transport floor, showcasing infuriating passenger behavior.