So my friend and I were coming back late from the downtown area of my city and decided to take the train back. The train at night can sometimes be a bit weird, not dangerous but you’re able to meet some interesting people at the time of day. Anyway we decided to take the train back because we wanted to save money and thought it’d be okay. Fast forward to us getting on the train and deciding not to sit down because we felt like standing and just felt that if there were other people who wanted to sit they should be sitting first since we were able bodied enough to stand.
Couple stops later this women gets on and is eyeing us down. After the doors closed she walked up to us and casually pushes my friend and I and went to sit down. I was honestly a bit annoyed that she didn’t say sorry but just moved on from it until she looked at me and said sit down you’re creating a "fire hazard". I was confused and asked her how i was creating a fire hazard when there was so much space around me. She said that in the case there’s more people it would create a larger open path so that people could exit quickly.
I told her that there was no people around and that the train was basically empty but she stood firm and says that we were being rude and inconsiderate. I then lost it and told her that if anyone was "inconsiderate" it was her for purposefully barging into us without saying sorry just because she had her "feeling hurt". She proceeded to call the emergency line on the train and had the conductor come over who then waived her off and basically told her that it didn’t matter.
She got off the train in a huff and was unhappy with everything. AITAH for creating a "fire hazard"?
INFO- Which kind of train is it? One with handholds and bars and straps for people to hold while standing or one witn a narrow aisle and seats on both sides? It SOUNDS like she is just a busybody and one of those “interesting “ people you were talking about. However….I’ve seen TONS of clueless people on public transportation but if the conductor had no problem with you then you are fine.
Both – it has a combination of seats and handles. The Train cart basically had doors on both ends and then chairs on either ends of the door had railings along the cart too. I was holding onto the railing in the middle between the two doors. Basically was by the doors but in no way blocking her from choosing a seat or exiting
Hard to say. I don’t know what the train looks like but that’s an unhinged response either way. I rely on public transit and I. REALLY hate it when people stand in front of the door when there are lots of seats available. Why? Because people are generally selfish and unaware and despite that being the only available exit they will not move out of the way until they get TOLD that people are trying to get off. I get that it wasn’t that busy and her reaction was wildly unnecessary, please don’t stand in front of the door unless you have to. If there lots of seats available take one. You are creating an obstacle with your body whether you realize it or not. Right now I’m going to say ESH just because you didn’t need to argue back with her. Sometimes people are not working with a full set, just ignore them. The response you gave her is exactly what she wanted.
The Train cart had doors on both ends and then chairs on either ends of the door had railings along the cart too. I was holding onto the railing in the middle between the two doors. Basically was by the doors but in no way blocking her from choosing a seat or exiting. Not saying that i’m necessarily right/wrong just giving context
Info: Were you blocking the doors or were you generally aware of the space you were taking up, moving so that people can get around you?
It is perfectly normal and acceptable to stand on the train, even when there are seats available, as long as you’re not prohibiting people from getting out. NTA
This woman is nuts but the next one may not be. If she can “push” you just by walking past, you’re standing in the dead center of the walkway. Move. ESH.
ESH.
You should not be blocking the path if you are able to avoid it. Since you described the train as empty you could have stood to the side. When on public transport, you need to be aware of your surroundings and watch for people needing to pass. She should have said “excuse me” instead of pushing into your friend.
INFO: Did you and your friend step out of the aisle/path to make plenty of space for this person to pass by while she was getting on the train? If not YTA. Nobody should have to “go through you” unless the train is packed. It’s intimidating to other passengers especially if they’re traveling alone.
Train cart had doors on both ends and then chairs on either ends of the door had railings along the cart too. I was holding onto the railing in the middle between the two doors. Basically was by the doors but in no way blocking her from choosing a seat or exiting
Okay the fact you didn’t answer if you were in the way or not, but talk about how you both ends of the car has doors, makes it pretty obvious that YTA.
Stop getting in peoples way, if you insist on standing in an aisle move out of their way when they’re trying to exit.
Yeah that is a fair point and hopefully they clarify whether they actually moved aside or not.
It wouldn’t be a fire hazard because OP and friend would be first off the train as they were already standing.
But on a normal ride they’d just have to stand in a spot where they don’t block people getting on and off the train.
It is a well-known fact that if there is a fire on the train, standing passengers do not move from their spot or seek safety, but in fact burn miserably. /s
NTA