This is not a new development; for several months now, the Madrid Metro has been sending a very clear message to all its passengers who use something as common as a backpack: once inside the carriage, place your backpack at your feet so as not to disturb other passengers.
We confess that, as users of this means of transport in Lisbon (and also as “backpackers”), we don’t understand why there is still no such “rule” on the Lisbon Metro!
“Everyone” against backpacks
This could very well be the motto for a campaign promoting civility on public transport, which often (or almost always) “suffers” from capacity problems, especially during rush hour.
Anyone who uses the Lisbon Metro daily knows that space is a very limited resource; however, a gesture as simple as keeping your backpack on your back can be the trigger for total discomfort for dozens of people traveling alongside you.
It was precisely with this space management problem in mind that the Madrid Metro appealed to all its passengers with a direct message: “backpacks should not be carried on your back inside the carriages.”
Therefore, we ask that backpacks, large bags, or even briefcases remain at your feet, never on your back or in the aisles, particularly next to seats or even occupying them.
The “obstacle effect” that irritates passengers
Often, those who do this don’t even realize it, out of habit or convenience, forgetting that the volume of a backpack takes up almost half of another person’s space, as well as making it difficult to walk through the aisles of public transport, which are already very narrow.
As the rules of civility dictate (or should dictate), the recommendation is clear: as soon as you enter the carriage, your backpack should be removed from your back and placed on the floor, at your feet, but preferably between your legs.
This measure not only frees up vital space for other users but also increases the safety of the passenger themselves, who now has direct visual control (or almost, if the transport is very crowded) over their belongings, preventing possible theft by distraction.
Obviously, this principle applies not only to the Lisbon Metro but also to other public transport in the city: trains, buses, and trams.
Other measures of civility that we should all apply on public transport
We are not even talking about always standing on the right when using escalators , so that other people have a free corridor to pass (in case they are in more of a hurry than us); we believe that this procedure is already well established in our society.
Another measure we should apply is, for example, not placing our luggage on empty seats: it is common to see passengers using the adjacent seat to store their backpacks or bags, often under the pretext of being able to “keep an eye on them” better. Yes, but this takes away the seat of someone who has paid for their ticket or monthly pass.
The truth is that seats are for the exclusive use of people, whether on the Madrid Metro, the Lisbon Metro, or any other in the world; it’s common sense.
Another aspect that we can also start to pay attention to is the support bars, avoiding leaning your body against them, which makes it impossible for other people to hold on to them.
In summary
We believe that if you follow these golden rules, you will have a conflict-free journey:
- Backpack on the floor
- Free seats
- Always use headphones
- Let them out before you get in
And you? Are you following the “law”? Do you think the Lisbon Metro should make passengers more aware of these kinds of “rules”? Tell us your opinion on our WhatsApp!