The do's and don'ts of taking the MRT in Singapore

Ok so covid is kind of over. But that doesn’t mean we should take things for granted. Yes, we know that Singapore is hot as hell and there’s a huge temptation to give yourself a break from the mask to cool off in the trains. However, if you feel a cold coming, we recommend still masking up to help stop the spread of Covid and basically any other nasty germs.

In this age of Bluetooth and all things wireless, there's really no reason to blast your music for all to hear on the train. Plus, it's pretty weird to be broadcasting WAP to a hundred other strangers – you do you, but not everyone wants to stir macaroni in a pot with Cardi B, at least not in public. 

So, the latest episode of Vincenzo was amazing and you want to gush with your friends all about it (and no, this is not a plug). Go ahead, but do keep the volume down. Some of us need the peace and quiet to unwind from a stressful day, and it's just plain frustrating to be unwillingly privy to a stranger's conversation. Plus, it's good practice for being on the famously quiet Japanese trains (you know, when the time comes and we can travel again).

Greatest threats to society – climate change and manspreading. Not to be dramatic, but do you really have to sit with your legs so wide apart that it takes up almost two seats? The answer is, you don't. The awkward knee-to-knee touching with the person next to you is uncomfortable, and forces your neighbour to screw up into weird pretzels just to avoid you. So zip those knees together and we promise, it'll make a lot of people happier. 

It can get frustrating when you have to say 'excuse me' a million times before you actually get on the train just because nobody wants to move to the middle. Aren't we famous for efficiency? Let's add graciousness into the mix and move in so that everyone can fit onto public transport as quickly and painlessly as possible. All it takes is a little side shuffle to make way.

Yes, you've had a long day and could really benefit from some rest. But there are always those who need it more than you. There are stickers and signs everywhere on the train to show that allocated seats should be given to the elderly and pregnant ladies. It's fine to plunk yourself in one of the reserved seats, but do give it up promptly when you see someone needy wobbling in. Don't pretend to be sleeping!

If you were watching your favourite anime series on your phone or catching up with your shows on Netflix during the commute, good on you for keeping yourself occupied. But when you've reached your stop, there's no reason to have your eyes glued to the screen while walking out of the train. Put that screen away, stop bumping into people and complaining and make your way to the gantry in peace.  

To put it simply, there's a time and a place to clip your nails and it is most definitely not onboard the MRT. Majority of Singaporeans find this quite off-putting, so you'd need very thick skin to even attempt doing such a thing anyway. 

We've established that Singapore is oven-hot. It's hard to avoid sweating up a storm, and smells happen. But think of it this way: you're on the train in the morning, building up a sense of zen before the workday – only to get interrupted by a whiff of something unpleasant. Not a great start to the day. So, be considerate and spray on some deodorant or spritz some perfume before you leave the house. Besides, it leaves you feeling clean and fresh as a daisy too.

Accidental eye contact with strangers is inevitable in public spaces but it's another thing to hold the gaze for a prolonged time. Unless your next intention is to actually make conversation, don't be staring at others on the train – it's plain creepy.