In Rome, too, especially during rush hour on lines A, B, and C, the issue of civil coexistence on board trains is central. Taking inspiration from the recent awareness campaigns by Metro de Madrid, a recommendation for all commuters emerges: backpacks should never be kept on your shoulders. Why take off your backpack? According to the Madrid transport company, keeping your backpack on your shoulders is not just a matter of space, but of genuine respect for others.
Here are the key points of the Madrid request
A backpack on your shoulders increases your body volume in a way that is invisible to the wearer, risking unintentionally hitting other passengers with every movement or braking action. Therefore, it helps to maintain freedom of movement.
It is strictly forbidden (and uncivilized) to occupy a seat with bags or backpacks, especially when they could be useful to elderly people, pregnant women, or passengers with reduced mobility. Even if the carriage is not full, placing your backpack on the floor between your feet avoids creating a visual and physical barrier, making the journey smoother for everyone.
Safety and civility on the metro
Those who live in Rome know that thefts on the metro can be frequent, even though there are police officers patrolling the lines. It is no coincidence that the ‘Pickpocket alert’ app has been created to report pickpockets and see the locations affected on a map.
The Madrid metro responds to this concern by saying that by placing your backpack between your feet or holding it in front of you, it remains under constant visual control without invading other people’s personal space or blocking the passageway. We are not talking about handbags, but backpacks and luggage.
