Revealed: The 10 most annoying habits of people on the Tube

Dick Murray7 April 2016

Tube passengers who push onto the train without first letting those on board alight first today head the “Top 10” list of most annoying habits on the network.

This is followed by selfish passengers who then stand close to the doors, refusing to move along the carriage, and blocking others from getting on.

Rubbish of all sorts left on the seats comes in third place closely followed by those making a noise while eating, particularly smelly food.

“Manspreading” – the habit by which people spread their legs apart while sitting – is rated fifth among those actions causing anger and discomfort to others.

The survey, among 1,000 Tube users, was conducted for Channel 5 as research for its programme series The Tube: Going Underground.

Other actions set to cause annoyance to others include (at number six) passengers who refuse to give up their seat to pregnant or elderly people.

The 10 most annoying habits on the Tube

1) Pushing onto trains without letting others off first

2) Passengers who don't move down inside carriages

3) Passengers who leave rubbish on seats

4) Eating on the Tube

5) 'Manspreading'

6) Not giving up seats for elderly or pregnant people

7) Playing loud music

8) Passengers who stand on the left of escalators

9) Passengers who keep large rucksacks on their backs at rush hour

10) Loud conversations

Seventh place come those playing loud music; number eight are passengers on standing on the left of escalators; at nine are those with large rucksacks – usually tourists – on their back during peak periods.

Those who insist on broadcasting loud and inappropriate conversations to all and sundry come in 10th.

The Channel 5 survey also found that Transport for London bosses face an uphill struggle to get passengers to stand on the left of escalators – a move which nearly half of those interviewed warned could lead to “Tube rage.”

TfL says having passengers standing on both sides of the escalator will ease congestion – a claim hotly disputed by passengers. Three out of 10 surveyed saying the walk or run up the steps is the only exercise they get during the working day.

Startling sights spotted on the Tube

1/9

A short trial at Holborn station to get passengers to stand on the left of escalators, alongside those standing on the right, as has always been the tradition, will now be followed by another lasting six months starting next Monday week – 18 April.

The survey found that 65 per cent of passengers are against the idea. More than half – 54 per cent – said they won’t take any notice of the new rule if it is introduced across the network; 46 per cent said it could lead to “Tube Rage”; 43 per cent said they would support the new rule – but only if it was applied solely during peak periods.

Rubbish on the Tube was also a cause of anger for commuters 
Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images

Channel 5 factual commissioner Guy Davies said: “While it’s entirely understandably TfL is trying to find new ways to relieve congestion on the Tube, this research shows that walking up the escalators is often as integral to the journeys of busy commuters as reading the paper or listening to their headphones.”

Peter McNaught, London Underground operations director, said: “It may not seem right that you can go quicker by standing still but our experiments at Holborn have proved that it can be true.”

The survey was conducted online last month among those aged 18 plus who use the Tube at least once a month.

The Tube: Going Underground, 9pm, Mondays on Channel 5.

What is the most unpleasant behaviour you have encountered on the Tube? Contact our news desk on news@standard.co.uk

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