Imagine stepping into a space meant for comfort and safety, only to be met with behaviors that make you question basic human consideration. A daily Delhi Metro commuter has had enough, and she’s not holding back. Traveling from West Delhi to Vishwavidyalaya, she’s taken to social media to shed light on six appalling civic sense issues plaguing the women’s coach—issues that, frankly, shouldn’t exist in a shared public space. But here’s where it gets controversial: she’s calling out behaviors that many might brush off as ‘normal,’ yet they’re anything but.
In a candid Reddit post on r/noida, she vents, ‘Since many seem to forget they’re in a shared space, let me share what I endure daily because of sheer inconsideration.’ Her post, allegedly removed twice from the Delhi subreddit, dives into specifics that will make you rethink your own commute habits.
Here’s the breakdown of her six grievances:
Sneezing without covering up: She highlights the lack of basic hygiene, urging, ‘If you’re unwell, wear a mask. Don’t sneeze on others—it’s not just rude, it’s a health hazard.’* And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about manners; it’s about preventing the spread of illness.*
Pushing during boarding and deboarding: The rush to get on or off the train often turns chaotic. ‘I witnessed two women nearly come to blows at Rajendra Place today,’ she shares. It’s a daily struggle that could easily be avoided with a little patience.
Loud phone conversations: The women’s coach is meant to be a quieter, more respectful space. Yet, some passengers seem to forget this, forcing everyone to overhear personal calls. ‘Keep it down,’ she pleads. ‘Not everyone wants to know about your day.’
Playing videos without earphones: This one’s a modern pet peeve. ‘Use earphones,’ she insists. ‘Your favorite show shouldn’t become everyone else’s problem.’
Not giving up seats to those in need: Despite designated seats for differently-abled passengers, some refuse to vacate them. ‘It shouldn’t take a fight to get a seat you’re entitled to,’ she points out. This raises a bold question: Are we losing our sense of empathy in crowded spaces?
Sitting on the floor in crowded trains: While it might seem like a quick fix, sitting on the floor blocks pathways and makes it harder for others to move. ‘It’s not just about you,’ she reminds us.
But here’s the counterpoint that’s bound to spark debate: She acknowledges these issues aren’t exclusive to the women’s coach, yet she chose to focus on it. ‘I’m sharing my personal experience,’ she clarifies. ‘But does highlighting this in the women’s coach unfairly single out women, or is it a necessary call for change?’*
Her post ends with a challenge to readers: ‘Don’t tell me this happens in the general coach too. I know it does, and it needs to change there as well. But let’s start somewhere.’* She’s not just complaining—she’s inviting a conversation about shared responsibility in public spaces.
What do you think? Are these behaviors overlooked too often, or is she overreacting? Let’s discuss in the comments—and maybe, just maybe, we can all do better.
