VRE's 2004 Courtesy Campaign

Are you a Class Commuter or a Crass Commuter?

VRE is focusing on the issues that can turn a pleasurable ride into an annoying one: common courtesy. Taking the top complaints the VRE receives most often—such as feet or personal belongings on seats, queuing, cell phone use, smoking, or driving wildly in the parking lot—staff will seek to educate and remind riders about acceptable and unacceptable behaviors while onboard VRE’s trains. The courtesy campaign, like the Tell Me Why campaign, will be shared via Commuter Weekly, Train Talk, the VRE Website and posters at the stations.

Each week, VRE is featuring our courtesy cartoons, featuring the artwork of VRE rider, Craig Matthiesson. Click on the cartoon for a larger view of the courtesy cartoon or click on the date for a copy of the poster that is posted at the stations.

September 7, 2004		It’s really pretty simple: if you put your feet on the seats, someone else can’t sit there, and you leave behind a dirtier seat than what was there when you sat down. Please, keep your feet on the floor.
September 14, 2004		When you’re on a fully-booked airplane, do you put your briefcase, laptop, purse or sweater on the seat next to you? We didn’t think so. Please, stow your belongings in the overhead compartments or on the floor space beneath your feet. Seats are for people, not for your stuff.
September 21, 2004		You may be hearing the sweet sounds of Vivaldi or a thumping beat from Eminem, but to your neighbor, it’s just tinny noise. Please, keep the volume on your personal stereo headset turned down so that the only one who can hear your music is you. And if you’re on the Quiet Car, turn it down another notch.
September 28, 2004		Standing in line is usually a sign of good manners … except when queuing before your stop means that someone else can’t detrain. Please, wait until the train reaches your station before getting up so that you don’t block the aisles and doors.
October 5, 2004		We hate to drag mom into this, but sometimes it’s the best way. When riding the train, please pretend your mom is sitting next to you. You wouldn’t sputter profanities, be rude, or be excessively loud with mom by your side, and we like it that way! Please, be on your best behavior while onboard.
October 12, 2004		Imagine your best friend, hobbling around on crutches after breaking his leg. Imagine your wife, eight months pregnant and exhausted. Imagine your neighbor, marching through life with the help of his Seeing Eye Dog. And now imagine them on your train, standing in the aisles while you sit comfortably in a seat. Is there something wrong with that picture? We thought so, too. Please, offer your seat to those who are more in need.
October 19, 2004		If you really want to learn to drive like Richard Petty, please sign up for his driving school. VRE’s parking lots are not the place for screeching, swerving, revving, honking or speeding.
October 26, 2004		With some commutes exceeding an hour, it’s only fair that VRE riders should get to bring food and drinks on-board. But please remember it’s a privilege that comes with responsibilities: please keep lids securely on your drinks, select foods that make minimal messes,and always, always take your trash with you when you detrain.