METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Caltrain begins courtesy campaign via social media

The campaign, called “Caltrain Manners,” is the result of a recent online survey, where passengers were asked what annoyed them most about their fellow riders. Caltrain tallied the results to determine the three worst passenger gaffes.

October 20, 2016
Caltrain begins courtesy campaign via social media

 

2 min to read


To help give customers a friendly reminder about appropriate onboard behavior, San Carlos, Calif.’s Caltrain has launched a courtesy campaign on its social media platforms. The campaign, called “Caltrain Manners,” is the result of a recent online survey, where passengers were asked what annoyed them most about their fellow riders. Caltrain tallied the results to determine the three worst passenger gaffes.

Last Wednesday, Caltrain’s social media team posted a humorous GIF depicting the third-most egregious passenger mistake — placing a personal bag on an empty seat. As the post notes, some trains operate at 120% capacity, so every seat is cherished and should be reserved for people, not possessions.

Ad Loading...

Does that bag have a ticket? The #3 most-irksome #CaltrainManners fail is bags on seats!! pic.twitter.com/CAkLw6tlAZ

— Caltrain (@Caltrain) October 12, 2016

The campaign struck a chord with passengers, who have sounded off on the comments section in Facebook.

“I get if it is an empty train, but if the train is packed... it’s a real jerk move!” wrote one commenter. “At the end of a long day everyone just wants to go home, and for some of us with bad joints (me) being able to sit is real nice!”

“No one should ever have to ask anyone to move anything off the seats,” wrote another commenter. “People need to have a little class and show a little respect. If you didn't pay for two seats, you have no right or proper expectation to occupy two seats.”

“Common courtesy, like common sense, isn't so common,” said one passenger. “When I see the crowd building I take my stuff off the seat next to me so others can sit down. And I'm still old-school enough to give up my seat to someone who needs to be seated more than I do.”

Ad Loading...

Caltrain posted another GIF on Wednesday illustrating the second-most annoying faux pas, as determined by passengers. The following week will showcase the problem that passengers find the most bothersome.

"I'm on a train. NO, I'M ON A TRAIN!!!"

The #2 most abrasive #CaltrainManners fail is Loud Cell Phone Talkers. Keep 'em short & quiet! pic.twitter.com/cPrN5ACygj

— Caltrain (@Caltrain) October 19, 2016

For updates on the campaign, customers can visit the Caltrain Manners site here, or check out Caltrain’s Facebook page and Twitter account.

Caltrain knows that no passengers are perfect, and everyone makes etiquette mistakes at times. This campaign is just a light-hearted way to remind passengers that all riders are the “public” part of public transportation.

More Management

SEPTA Accelerate press conference
Managementby Staff and News ReportsSeptember 23, 2026

SEPTA Details Accelerate Vision for Transit System

The plan outlines investments in trolley modernization, new Metro and Regional Rail vehicles, accessible stations, and more frequent bus and rail service.

Read More →
Two MBTA railcars in station.

FTA Ends Direct Oversight of MBTA Safety Actions

The federal agency closed its remaining special directive to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities following a safety review that began in 2022.

Read More →
A WMATA bus at a transit center
Busby Alex RomanSeptember 21, 2026

Report: Transit Bus Manufacturing Supports 34,100 Jobs, $5.1B in GDP

The “Buses Mean Business” report examines the transit bus manufacturing industry’s economic footprint, supply chain, and rising demand for vehicle replacements.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
LIT 10-Year Anniversary Graphic
Managementby Alex RomanSeptember 17, 2026

LIT Marks 10-Year Milestone at Annual Summit

Hosted by the COTA from September 10 to 13, the Summit carried the theme “Celebrating 10 Years of Excellence, Leadership, and Impact,” with every part of the program honoring the people, agencies, and partners who built LIT over its first decade.

Read More →
Third Generation Joins Dan Dipert Coaches Leadership Team
Managementby Alex RomanSeptember 17, 2026

People Movement: Dan Dipert Coaches Adds Third-Generation Leader, Keolis Names New Valley Metro VP/GM, and More

In this edition, we also cover recent appointments and announcements at the Wabtec, SilverRide, HNTB, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.

Read More →
AAAHI receiving METRO's Innovative Operator of the Year Award
Motorcoachby Alex RomanSeptember 16, 2026

METRO Opens Submissions for 2026 Motorcoach Awards

Nominations are now being accepted for METRO Magazine’s Operator of the Year and Innovative Operator of the Year awards.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A New York MTA subway car with an open gangway
Railby Staff and News ReportsSeptember 16, 2026

New York MTA Advances Final Contract for Second Avenue Subway Expansion

Contract Four is the largest in the Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 project and includes construction of station infrastructure, tracks, and signals for the subway expansion, MTA officials said. Work on Contract Four will begin in 2027.

Read More →
Transit Leaders Gather for National Safety Summit
Security and Safetyby Alex RomanSeptember 16, 2026

Transit Agencies Highlight Safety Gains at National Summit

Leaders from 15 major transit systems shared crime-reduction results and safety initiatives while discussing the role of continued federal support.

Read More →
A blue and white graphic with text reading "NITA Names New Leadership, Expands Reduced-Fare Program."
Managementby Staff and News ReportsSeptember 14, 2026

NITA Names New Leadership, Expands Reduced-Fare Program at First Board Meeting

The new regional transit authority appointed its first board chair and interim executive director while extending reduced fares across CTA, Metra, and Pace for eligible riders.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
From Checklists to Better Outcomes
TechnologySeptember 11, 2026

Beyond the Checklist: A Structured Approach to Transit Maintenance

Reliability-Centered Maintenance helps transit agencies move beyond routine checklists to focus limited resources on the assets and failures that have the greatest impact on safety, reliability, and service.

Read More →