I just moved to Melbourne from California and don’t get why Aussies are all so strict about putting feet up on public transport
A young American woman who recently moved to Australia shares her shock at a ‘strange’ rule that ‘all Aussies’ seem to follow.
Tate Duaneoriginally from California and now living in Melbourne, said she was surprised that Australians were opposed to taking public transport with both feet on the ground.
The 23-year-old expat is used to a life full of free time and wants to relax wherever possible. That’s why the fear of a fine has ruined her commute.
“I’ve never understood why public transport in Melbourne is so strict about placing your feet on the seats,” she said in a video.
‘I understand that it is busy and that people have to sit down, but why are they going to fine someone if no one is there? Let’s just kick our legs up and hang!’
Transport New South Wales has a section on travel etiquette explaining the need for the rule.
“Being courteous makes using public transportation more enjoyable for everyone,” it said read.
Apart from not putting their feet on chairs, travelers should also refrain from taking more than one seat if others are standing and making too much noise.
All Australian states have the same rule that prevents passengers from putting their feet on the seats.
Tate Duane, originally from California and now living in Melbourne, said she was surprised Australians are against ditching public transport
Many were shocked that Tate would want to rest her legs on public transport – many pointed out cleanliness.
“Do you also put your shoes on the bed?” someone asked. ‘Awful.’
‘It’s so unsanitary. “If you’ve been to a men’s room, you’d appreciate the ‘no feet on seats’ rule,” one man said.
“It’s about cleanliness, not about stopping other people from sitting there,” one man said. ‘I was fined $288 for sitting with my feet in an empty carriage late at night – I never did it again.’
‘I don’t want to sit where people’s muddy boots have stood,” another added.
“It’s about having manners and respect for other people,” one woman wrote.
While another explained a broader reason why this activity is frowned upon.
“It is banned because of the ‘broken windows’ theory: visible signs of crime, anti-social behavior and civil disorder create an urban environment that encourages further crime and disorder,” one man explained.