Aussie's public transport etiquette question has people divided

"I do it because it's the right thing to do," said one person. But, not everyone sees it the same way.

When you’re taking public transport, etiquette is incredibly important.

If you’re planning on listening to music or watching a movie, please, wear headphones. Try not to sit directly next to someone if you can avoid it. And, if you’re trying to have a conversation, please do so quietly.

But, there is a bit of a grey area when it comes to what you’re supposed to do with backpacks.

One Reddit user has kickstarted this debate online, and people have a lot to say.

Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this.

Image: iStock.

RELATED: Coles shoppers are fuming over this packaging change

“I really want to hear people's thoughts about this one”

A Sydney Reddit user has taken to the platform asking for opinions on whether or not you would take your backpack off whilst standing on the metro.

“Do you take off your backpack while standing on the metro?” the poster said.

“Especially in the busy morning hours. I really want to hear people's thoughts about this one.”

RELATED: Debate erupts over what Aussies call food favourite

“Everybody should!”

Some commenters on the post responded with a resounding ‘yes’, saying the same logic applies to all forms of public transport for courtesy reasons.

“Yes, everybody should,” said one commenter.

“Yep. Off you back and place on the ground between your feet,” another agreed.

“I do it because it's the right thing to do: rest my shoulder and free up space in a crowded carriage,” said a third.

"Yes, especially if it packed. I get so annoyed by people with big bag packs not doing that. Those bags take up space and hit those standing up during peak travel times," said another.

Some even said that in other countries, it's almost considered compulsory.

"I live in Singapore now and the MRT has these posters of cartoon characters about being respectful of other passengers," said one commenter.

"There should be a video playing on the Metro or the stations on repeat, showing the various etiquette one should do when using the Metro. Other countries like South Korea do this and it will then become part of the social etiquette once everyone is aware. Slowly but surely," said another.

"Went to Japan recently and was pleasantly surprised that everyone did this automatically. Wish it was a common sense thing," a third said.

RELATED: Brisbane takeaway shop gets creative combatting Aussie issue

“You’re spreading a lot of nasties!”

Others had their reasons not to do it.

Some blamed how dirty the floor can be, with commuters trekking all kinds of dirt and grime into the carriages.

“Train floors are notoriously disgusting,” said one commenter.

“People often put their bags on e.g. the kitchen bench and don’t realise if you’re putting your bag on the floor in public places and then doing that…you’re spreading a lot of nasties,” a second person agreed.

A few blamed it on stability.

“If I have something I can hold onto to stop me falling, then yes, it comes off and sits between my feet. If not then it stays on my back because I'm clumsy,” said another.

“Wear it backwards!”

As a solution to this, commenters offered a third option - wearing it on your front instead. Whilst it doesn’t necessarily help the space issue, it at least makes it easier to see.

“Wear it backwards, easier to make sure it's not gonna hit anyone, and easier for you to see that no one is trying to take stuff out of it (I feel this would be pretty rare but added bonus),” one commenter suggested.

“I wear them front facing sometimes. Putting it on the floor is kinda gross,” another agreed.

Originally published as Aussie's public transport etiquette question has people divided