Public transport is never as simple as getting from A to B. Every country has its own set of rules, and some of them feel rather strange when you’re not used to them. Here are ten behaviors banned on public transportation in other countries. Which of these rules would throw you off during a trip?
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Eating, drinking, or chewing gum
Your coffee & snacks are a problem as soon as you step onto Hong Kong’s Mass Transit Railway. Even gum is an issue. The by-laws explicitly say there’s no food or drink once you’re through the gates, and it doesn’t matter if you’re starving. Rules are rules. You’ll get fined for not following them. That’s why most people keep their bubble tea sealed until they’re back outside.
Holding balloons & kites
Hong Kong’s subway system has another ban. Balloons & kites aren’t welcome on board because the official by-laws put them under “flying materials.” It makes sense, though. Officials are worried they could get tangled up in power lines. They could even cause problems in tunnels. As such, staff will turn away anyone who’s carrying one.
Drinking alcohol
It’s normal for Londoners to grab a pint after work. But they can’t bring one onto the Tube or buses. Since 2008, Transport for London has made it a rule that there’s no drinking or open containers on the city’s subway. A sealed can in your bag is fine. Cracking it open mid-ride, though? That’s not happening. It’s the same on the trams & Overground.
No playing musical instruments
That’s not all for the UK. Over there, you’re not allowed to hop on a train & start strumming a guitar because the law only lets licensed buskers perform. They’re also limited to specific spots. Anyone without the paperwork can be stopped by staff and may even be fined. Worse still, they also closely watch the noise levels. Going full concert mode isn’t an option.
Putting feet on seats
Putting your feet on that empty subway seat could actually cost you in Toronto. The Toronto Transit Commission’s rule says it’s an offense, and officers can ticket you if they catch you. It doesn’t matter that your shoes are spotless. Your feet need to stay on the floor, unless you want to pay a fine of up to C$235.
Carrying durian fruit
Durians are sweet, but boy, do they stink. That’s why they’re banned on Singapore’s MRT trains & buses. The signs at stations make it clear, and the staff won’t let you through with the fruit. They take it just as seriously as the no food or drink rule. In fact, the “No Durians” signs are written extra large because of how strong the stench is. Yuck.
No playing loud music
Paris is quite strict with its sound policy, and you’re not allowed to make loud sounds on the metro. This could be from cranking up a speaker or talking on a phone. Yes, performers with licenses can play in designated areas. But anyone else making noise can be fined or removed. And it’s happened before.
No tripods or large photo equipment on platforms
It’s okay to take a quick snapshot at the stations in Tokyo. But once a tripod comes out, you’re breaking the rules. Any big photo setups are considered “prohibited acts” as a way to avoid people from clogging the walkways with extra gear. You could also trip people near the trains.
Carrying a corpse is prohibited
We’re not sure why this needs to be spelled out. But anyway, Toei’s subway rules in Tokyo actually name corpses as banned items. They restrict them as part of the same rules that ban explosives & animals. So take this as a warning to never carry dead people on public transportation in Japan. Or anywhere, for that matter.
No rollerblading or skating in metro stations
Vienna has a rather simple rule. Anything that rolls under your feet isn’t allowed on the city’s public transport. This includes rollerblades & skateboards, as well as scooters, which aren’t allowed within metro stations and platforms. Carrying them is fine. Skating down an escalator or across the floor isn’t.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.
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