Where are your manners?

If you've lived in Shanghai long enough, you're probably already accustomed to the laughs and good times that are experienced daily when using public transportation. Pushing and shoving your way onto a crowded car is commonplace, adding to the charm and excitement of Shanghai. For a seasoned Shanghai resident, pushing on and off buses and subway trains is like being in a mosh pit and crowded quarters during rush hour become fun endurance tests for your olfactory system. For visitors, it's enough to go mad. Shanghaiist once saw a foreign visitor break down in sobs after fighting her way onto a Line 1 train during rush hour at People's Square, weeping into her partner's arms, "I can't do this anymore!" Amateur. So what's a civilized commuter to do? As reported today on Shanghai Daily, a new campaign has been started to promote better manners when using the city's public transport.

The Shanghai Morning Post and local traffic authorities have launched a campaign aimed at fixing those problems that basic common sense should alleviate, such as letting someone off the train before you get on, instead of plowing directly into them like a bull.

Readers [in an online forum] of the Shanghai Morning Post said the most important rule commuters should remember is to let other passengers get off trains or buses before trying to push their way on.

To show their support, volunteers wear green ribbons and "must promise they will behave well on public vehicles and promote civilized behavior among other passengers." An organizer stated that another 100,000 ribbons will be passed out to subway and bus passengers. He added that "most of the commuters approached by volunteers yesterday were willing to wear the ribbons." That's fine and dandy, but will it work? Shanghaiist would proudly display the green ribbon and play nice with the other passengers in an honest attempt at improving the situation, but we'll have to wait and see if the rest of the city is ready for such a drastic change.

Also on Shanghaiist:
Breaking News: 'Shanghainese line up in front of metro car'

Photo of the Shanghai metro from TheShanghaiEye.