Ann Wason Moore calls for better etiquette on public transport ahead of Queensland election

A tram rider who says they have a disability which makes public transport “hell”, is calling for people to pay attention to others after she witnessed a 70-year-old fall while getting onto the tram.

Forget political correctness, how about some political etiquette?

Queensland has officially entered that most un-wonderful time of the year … no, not daylight savings time (although that does start on Sunday), but election season.

With writs issued, political campaigning is now fully underway … and it didn’t take long for shots to be fired.

In fact, day one saw LNP leader David Crisafulli blast his Labor opponents for “desperate” personal attacks, amid questions about him claiming an allowance to stay in Brisbane during parliament sitting days.

While that’s downright complimentary compared to former US President Donald Trump calling Vice President Kamala Harris ‘mentally disabled’, the regularity with which outright rudeness is employed by our pollies is appalling.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles (right), and Opposition David Crisafulli during their first state election debate at Nine studios in Brisbane, October 3, 2024. Picture: Pool via NewsWire/ Dan Peled

Now, while some may argue that all is fair in love, war and politics, it sure would be nice if our elected leaders held themselves up to some sort of standard.

No one is expecting them to be actual role models, but God knows we plebs could use some guidance when it comes to our manners.

I’m not saying we all need to keep our elbows off the table (a rule I have never fully understood, even as I abide by it), and in this day and age, holding the door open should not just apply to a man for a woman, but why not bring back some old-school etiquette?

And there is no better place to bring it back than on public transportation.

While I am unabashedly a fan of the tram, I’m not so impressed by the behaviour of some rail-riders.

Ann Wason Moore calls for better etiquette on public transport ahead of Queensland election. Photo: Istock

I’m not talking about eshays or anti-social and violent behaviours, I’m just talking about an absolute failure of polite society.

It’s unbelievable the number of people who choose to continue sitting while ignoring fellow passengers who are senior citizens, have disabilities, or both.

This has become a hot-button issue on social media, and rightly so.

“I have a disability that makes public transport hell but I had to stand up today for a 70 year old who fell getting into the damn tram because everyone else was too self-absorbed and lazy. Now I won’t be able to walk for 2 days,” said one commenter.

“You aren’t the main character, pay attention to people around you and if an elderly person or a person with a disability gets on the tram and doesn’t have a seat, get off your ass.”

Said another:

“I have a service dog and the amount of times I have had to stand over the top of her to protect her because people see me with an OBVIOUS DISABILITY (hence the dog) and just go back to scrolling or chatting it’s a f***ing joke.”

Ann Wason Moore calls for better etiquette on public transport ahead of Queensland election. Photo: Istock

Okay, so they didn’t exactly put it politely, but what is wrong with us as a society?

I’m not sure whether people are deliberately being rude or whether, as the commenter above stated, they are just self-absorbed. And by self-absorbed, I mean their head is buried in their phone.

Indeed, aside from trams and trains, I’ve noticed that lifts have become a new frontier for offensive behaviour.

I was taught that you should wait to allow anyone in the elevator to exit before entering, but the number of times I’ve literally had people walk directly into me while attempting to leave a lift is unbelievable.

And yes, they are generally facedown on their phone.

Perhaps it’s time to employ the Energex safety message – look up and live. Although in this case the danger is not a power line, but middle-age rage.

Look, we don’t have to bring back every archaic rule of etiquette – by all means go ahead and bring up politics at the dinner table – just please, put down your phone and focus on the people.

Originally published as Ann Wason Moore calls for better etiquette on public transport ahead of Queensland election