Etiquette Guidelines for Riding Queensland Rail Trains
There has been a noticeable increase in bad etiquette on trains with the Australian rail operator. Throughout 2023, Queensland Rail received 865 complaints related to etiquette from customers. These complaints highlighted various disrespectful behaviors on trains, such as vaping, putting feet and bags on seats, playing loud music, and engaging in noisy conversations.
Tessa Hardy, a spokesperson for Queensland Rail, noted that the majority of passengers followed proper etiquette. However, there were still some individuals who spoiled the journey for others. Complaints included smoking, drinking alcohol, playing loud music, and talking loudly in the quiet carriage.
One particular concern was the rise of vaping on trains and at stations, with some passengers expressing their annoyance via social media. Queensland Rail clarified that vaping is illegal, and offenders face fines.
Aside from the usual complaints, there were also reports of unusual incidents like youths throwing cookie dough and people painting their nails on trains. Queensland Rail urged passengers to be considerate towards their fellow commuters and emphasized the importance of quiet carriages that were introduced in 2010.
It is important for passengers to adhere to train etiquette guidelines, including keeping noise levels down, refraining from putting feet on seats, giving up priority seating, and avoiding eating and drinking onboard.
Queensland Rail’s train etiquette tips include:
- Quiet in the quiet carriage—please do not talk loudly or play loud devices and keep noise to a minimum.
- Keep feet on the floor, and not on seats.
- Wait for others to disembark first.
- Vacate priority seating for people with a disability, seniors, pregnant women, or adults carrying children.
- Do not eat or drink onboard and take any litter with you.
- Place your bag on your lap or under your seat.
- Antisocial behavior, like smoking or vaping is prohibited.
Rail Etiquette Program Reaches 94,000 Students
In 2023, Queensland Rail implemented a rail safety education program that reached 94,000 students. This program aimed to educate students about etiquette and safety while using the rail network.
Queensland Rail also has a team of over 30 Authorized Officers, 11 canine teams in stations, and Guardian Trains at night with security officers onboard. These teams work to patrol for antisocial behavior and ensure the safety of passengers.
While Authorized Officers can issue fines, it is essential for passengers to uphold good train etiquette to guarantee a safe and pleasant journey for everyone on the rail network.
