Finding space on Toronto’s transit system can often be a difficult task.
But don’t dare take advantage of an extra seat while on board a subway train or streetcar or the creator of a new blog may be looking out for you.
Mike Takasaki is the man responsible for “I hope your bag is comfortable, a–hole,” an online tool for TTC commuters to post pictures of other riders who set their personal belongings on a seat beside them.
“I was posting the shots on Facebook for my friends’ and my own amusement and someone said, ‘Why not do a Tumblr so I can share it with other people?'” Takasaki says. “If you’re seeing this as anything more than a very light observation of the casual, everyday incivility we all encounter, you’re taking it way more seriously than I am.”
Riders clamouring to find space during the morning or evening commute sometimes end up waiting in line at a bus stop or a subway station. Once on board, rubbing elbows or squeezing into one of the few seats available is common.
But when someone decides to take advantage, others tend to get upset.
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“I think it’s very inconsiderate,” one rider told Global News. “You pay one fare. Your bag doesn’t pay a fare, so why should it take up a seat?”
Another waiting for a train on the subway platform said, “I find a lot of kids do that and I’ve asked them before, ‘Could you please move your bag or something?’ And they give you this attitude.”
The TTC has plans to roll out its own ‘etiquette campaign’ next week. No details are available yet, but spokesperson Brad Ross says it’s based on some of the same concerns.
“This whole notion of bags on seats or blocking doors are behaviours our customers have told us they want us to address,” Ross says. “We’re certainly not endorsing this blog, but understand the sentiment and the point he’s trying to make.”
Some commuters believe there can be a time and place for using the seat beside you.
Another subway rider suggests, “Nobody is sitting here. It’s quite logical. When somebody else is there you just pick up the knapsack and let them sit.”
This isn’t the first time Takasaki has taken aim at the Toronto Transit Commission, or it’s customers, online. In 2007, he openly criticized the service for not installing a door at St. Clair station quickly enough.
Engaging commuters online this time around is another challenge altogether.
“It’s the Internet, so there’s always going to be a certain percentage of cranks,” Takasaki says. “I just try not to read the comments. Honestly, they’re spending a lot more time thinking about this than I am.”
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