10 WORST Habits of Bus Commuters to Avoid

Good news for biyaheros, biyaheras, and lovers of the open road: More and more provincial bus routes are back in action, which means long road trips and weekend escapes are within reach again! But before you hop on that bus and enjoy the journey, it’s time to leave some old (and frankly annoying) commuter habits behind.

Let’s be real — bus rides can be fun and relaxing if everyone remembers how to behave. So, here’s a quick rundown of the worst travel habits that you absolutely have to kick for smoother, more respectful rides moving forward.

Also read: Commute Etiquette: 10 Things Filipinos Should Know By Now But Don’t

Bus commute habits you have to bid goodbye to

Here’s a quick rundown of rs’ WORST travel habits that you absolutely have to kick for a new and better normal!

1. Disrespecting personal space

Image credit: ©[olaster] via Canva Pro

We’ve all experienced it: someone breathing down your neck in line, brushing up against you while looking for their seat, or sprawling way too comfortably in shared spaces. Respecting personal space should be basic — but it’s often ignored.

Whether you’re in line, finding your seat, or already on board, keep a respectful distance and only touch what’s yours. Everyone deserves a bit of peace and comfort, especially on a long ride.

2. Eating smelly food (or drinks) on board

Some snacks just aren’t meant for shared spaces. Strong-smelling food can quickly stink up a bus, making the ride uncomfortable for everyone around you. We're not here to food-shame — but if you know your meal gives off a powerful aroma, it’s best to save it for later.

Pro tip: Eat a filling meal before your trip, so you don’t end up hangry mid-ride. Your seatmates will thank you.

3. Being inconsiderately boisterous, noisy, unruly — you name it

If you used to ride the bus a lot, you’ll know this one, too. There you are minding your own business, when suddenly a few seats away, you start to hear the loud chitchat. Sometimes, they’re a group travelling together. Perhaps unable to contain their excitement about their barkada trip, they’ll go on and on playing games, updating each other about their work, love lives, and latest K-drama series, or they’ll even discuss their itinerary for all passengers to hear!

Then, there’s always that one person who takes a phone call the entire ride. Never mind that passengers can hear every detail of the conversation (which isn’t always pleasant or wholesome — yikes!); it will seem that this person and their phone pal are on a mission to keep everyone wide awake during the entire trip. Another shoutout to parents who can’t keep their unruly children in check. They’re young and energetic, we know, but that doesn’t mean they get a free pass to make the bus ride uncomfortable for everyone on board.

4. Watching videos or playing music via speakers

Don’t think making noise on bus rides just applies to conversations. It’s just as bad if you whip out your gadgets and play music or videos via speakers. Use your headphones or earbuds! Remember, respecting personal space includes managing the noise you make so that others can have a peaceful ride, from start to finish.

5. Coughing, sneezing — or worse, spitting — without a care in the world

One of the most basic commuter habits? Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Always.

And please — don’t spit in public spaces. It’s gross, unsanitary, and unacceptable. Hygiene should be non-negotiable, no matter where you are.

6. Hogging the air conditioning

This rarely happens when you know your bus seatmate. Either that or you simply have the guts to call them out when they hog the air conditioning. But when a complete stranger shifts the direction of cool air their way all throughout the entire ride, that is a major bummer — especially on days with sweltering heat.

Keep in mind that these bus rides are shared with other people. You’re practically in a moving public space. Be considerate and think of others. The golden rule applies to travel as well as it does in every life scenario: Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you.

7. Being messy and hygiene-deficient

No one wants to see someone picking their nose, wiping hands on seats, or leaving trash behind. Don’t be that person.

Always bring a hygiene kit with tissues, alcohol, and soap. Throw your trash in proper bins and keep your space clean. Let’s all do our part to keep shared transportation tidy and comfortable.

8. Taking up too much space

Meet the cousin of disregarding personal space — it’s when you occupy too much space. Sometimes, they go hand in hand, but this entry especially goes out to people who do one or all of the following:

• Block the way at any time during the ride.

• Place long hair over the backrest.

• Hit or kick the backrest in front of you.

• Leave personal belongings (or worse, trash) scattered all over the place.

• Keep your legs wide and open, so much so that it makes others’ space cramped.

• Touching any part of any bus seat that’s not assigned to you.

There are a multitude of things that constitute being rude during a bus ride, and taking up too much space is just one of them. This serves as a friendly reminder to be polite and considerate during your travels!

9. Not knowing the requirements and pertinent details of your trip

Before you travel, make sure you’ve checked the route, stops, and any documents you need to bring. Don’t be the person who slows everything down because they missed a detail.

Keep all your travel essentials in one place — like an envelope or folder — and stay updated through official channels so you don’t miss important announcements.

10. Causing unnecessary delay at any point during travel

Running late? Taking forever during stopovers? Holding up the line when boarding?

These might seem like small things, but they affect the entire trip. Be ready, be on time, and be aware of the schedule. A little mindfulness goes a long way.

Also read: COVID-19 Philippines Travel Advisory for Filipinos & Foreign Visitors

Got any other commuter pet peeves? Here’s to smoother, more respectful bus rides for everyone — because getting there shouldn’t have to mean losing your cool.