Mobile mingling, a study on the sociality of travelling by train

Abstract

Travelling by train an activity that many people engage in on a daily basis. While trains are locations where many different strangers encounter each other, the general feel towards travelling by train seems to be that people on the train are very self-absorbed and do not pay attention to others. This study found that people on the train do, however, speak a very subtle non-verbal language which enables them to interact without engaging in extensive verbal interactions. Furthermore, most people do watch out for each other and try not to bother others. The biggest “problem” considering the social aspect of travelling by train, seems to be the lack of rules. Riders do not know what is reasonable behavior to expect of others and since there are no clear rules regarding behavioral norms riders do not feel like they are able to address unwanted/bothersome behavior. Shaping clear rules and expectations would improve the riders’ comfort and is therefore recommended.