A Brighton resident who has grown tired of passengers placing their feet on bus seating is urging drivers to intervene, alongside proposing several other measures to address the problem.
Thomas O’Connor, a retired social worker who frequently uses the city’s bus network, has become increasingly irritated by how many travellers rest their feet on the seats – a practice he considers unhygienic and disrespectful.
According to Mr O’Connor, the behaviour occurs most often in the rear section of vehicles where opposing benches allow passengers to face one another, though he has observed it throughout the bus.
To tackle the matter, Mr O’Connor contacted Brighton and Hove Buses with proposals he believes would discourage the habit. He advised that no reply has been forthcoming as yet.
Among his recommendations were refusing to depart if passengers had their feet up, implementing monetary penalties, and redesigning all seating to face forward. He acknowledged uncertainty about whether drivers would accept such measures.
The local resident identified improved signage as his most effective solution, particularly messaging directed specifically at the problem.
Mr O’Connor explained that a covering placed on the rear seats that warned against placing feet on the furniture would place social pressure on offenders. While individuals might disregard a sign positioned near the entrance, they would struggle to overlook text printed directly on the seat itself. He suggested this approach would prevent awkward confrontations.
Mr O’Connor recognised that implementing his proposal would incur expenses, though he maintained it would prove worthwhile in addressing the issue.
He noted that the habit stems from domestic behaviour that has migrated into public spaces. He expressed reluctance to condemn those who do it, characterising it as ingrained rather than deliberately offensive, while emphasising that others must subsequently occupy those seats.
Nash Travelman, speaking on behalf of Brighton Buswatch, stressed the significance of proper conduct on public transport and endorsed greater use of signage alongside audio and visual alerts.
Mr Travelman also distributed a photograph depicting how certain rear seats can be raised to expose a wipeable base, offering a practical alternative should soiling occur. However, he indicated that Buswatch would not actively promote this arrangement.
Mr Travelman observed that resting feet on seats represents just one among numerous discourteous passenger behaviours that render furniture unsanitary and increase cleaning demands for operators. He suggested it establishes a poor atmosphere and complicates the journey for fellow travellers. He cited additional examples such as baggage and occasionally animals, the latter potentially carrying dirt and mud.
He urged all passengers to recognise and follow the transport regulations and conditions of travel, which operators typically publish on their websites.
Mr Travelman added that awareness of both stated and customary standards proves valuable, with information generally posted inside vehicles or obtainable from drivers. He concluded that collective cooperation enables everyone to reach their destinations more swiftly.
Nick Hill, the commercial director at Brighton and Hove Buses, confirmed that the company had received the concerns regarding on-board conduct and welcomed the proposals submitted.
He expressed regret that earlier correspondence had not received a reply and committed to reviewing the feedback.
The company stated that it promotes courteous behaviour to preserve a pleasant environment for all users and that these observations would factor into an ongoing broader initiative.