# Let's change those "priority seat" signs on public transport. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [March 19, 2014, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-change-those-priority-seat-signs-on-public-transport/684091 "2014-03-19T16:34:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![Sailboat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sailboat/32/461_2.png) [@Sailboat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sailboat)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2014, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-change-those-priority-seat-signs-on-public-transport/684091/101 "2014-03-20T16:05:58Z")
I commute in Washington, DC, where people are just as rude and self-absorbed as elsewhere, but with the added bonus that many of them think they’re more important than you. I sometimes sit in the priority seating intentionally, so that I can give it up when a visibly needful person comes onto the train. When sitting in the regular seating near the priority seating, I have _fantasized_ about asking someone “Would you like to sit down?” and when they say yes, asking the healthy young people who are occupying the priority seating if THEY will move – not offering my own seat. Deliberate eye-closing by headphone-wearers is another favorite way to avoid having to give up the priority seats. On a semi-related note, I do often have disabled people sit beside me in the regular seats. I do not know the _name_ of the disability that requires them to stick their elbows way out to the side and repeatedly strike me, but it must be a severe one, because anyone with a sense of personal space who wasn’t a complete psychopath would obviously stop. ---
**Author:** ![lance\_strongarm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/87869e/32.png) [@lance\_strongarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lance_strongarm)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2014, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-change-those-priority-seat-signs-on-public-transport/684091/102 "2014-03-20T16:09:31Z")
> [@Maeglin](#): > > Did you see it? > > You also must have missed this. No, I saw that. How the fuck does that make my post wrong? Other people posted suggestions. You’re being stupid and irrational. > [@](#): > > And then enter Captain Lance Obvious over here, saying to ask for a seat because “there is no alternative.” This is why you are an asshole, asshole. Telling people in a shitty situations to do something shitty “because there is no alternative” when they didn’t even come to you for fucking advice in the first place is the apotheosis of asshole. 1. I suggested that perhaps there’s no other alternative for her to handle this. That’s not shitty, it’s just the truth. 2. It’s not shitty to ask for a seat. It happens all the time. It’s normal. So I ask once again - WTF is wrong with you? Seriously, you people are massively confused and irrationally angry. ---
**Author:** ![lance\_strongarm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/87869e/32.png) [@lance\_strongarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lance_strongarm)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2014, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-change-those-priority-seat-signs-on-public-transport/684091/103 "2014-03-20T16:13:59Z")
> [@oz0ne](#): > > And yes, I can tell disabled people just by looking at them. Let’s examine this one again. No, you can’t always do that. That’s a load of bullshit. And even the OP says her disability isn’t always apparent. So around we go. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2014, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-change-those-priority-seat-signs-on-public-transport/684091/104 "2014-03-20T16:44:24Z")
Somewhere, there’s a bridge missing its troll. ---
**Author:** ![alexandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e68b1a/32.png) [@alexandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alexandra)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2014, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-change-those-priority-seat-signs-on-public-transport/684091/105 "2014-03-20T17:12:16Z")
Sorry to hear that, **Sam**. If it’s any consolation this thread has made me more aware of the need to be aware of and look around for disabled/pregnant people standing up when I’m sitting at rush hour. I understand that it’s going to be really awkward yelling across a crowded Tube at rush hour, but I would encourage you to try, on the basis that it might be less embarrassing by the fourth or fifth time. I also like the idea of an equivalent badge to Baby on Board; TfL should totally introduce one! I’ve also seen the Tube attendants helping disabled passengers (often blind passengers) - so it does work in practice, and may also be useful to you. ---
**Author:** ![lance\_strongarm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/87869e/32.png) [@lance\_strongarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lance_strongarm)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2014, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-change-those-priority-seat-signs-on-public-transport/684091/106 "2014-03-20T17:15:55Z")
> [@alexandra](#): > > I understand that it’s going to be really awkward yelling across a crowded Tube at rush hour, but I would encourage you to try, on the basis that it might be less embarrassing by the fourth or fifth time. Welcome to the thread, alexandra. I’m particularly fond of this part of your comments. I wonder what the rest of the thread thinks of it. ---
**Author:** ![lance\_strongarm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/87869e/32.png) [@lance\_strongarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lance_strongarm)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2014, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-change-those-priority-seat-signs-on-public-transport/684091/107 "2014-03-20T17:16:58Z")
> [@Skywatcher](#): > > Somewhere, there’s a bridge missing its troll. Well, yeah - I gave up my seat for a troll with a disability. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2014, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-change-those-priority-seat-signs-on-public-transport/684091/108 "2014-03-20T17:20:09Z")
> [@lance\_strongarm](#): > > Welcome to the thread, alexandra. > > I’m particularly fond of this part of your comments. I wonder what the rest of the thread thinks of it. We think the only thing we could possibly think: “Oh, that lance armstrong is so dreamy!” ---
**Author:** ![lance\_strongarm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/87869e/32.png) [@lance\_strongarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lance_strongarm)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2014, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-change-those-priority-seat-signs-on-public-transport/684091/109 "2014-03-20T17:27:18Z")
> [@jsgoddess](#): > > We think the only thing we could possibly think: “Oh, that lance armstrong is so dreamy!” No you don’t. You don’t have the guts to say what you really think. ---
**Author:** ![Tom\_Tildrum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e95f7d/32.png) [@Tom\_Tildrum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Tildrum)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2014, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-change-those-priority-seat-signs-on-public-transport/684091/110 "2014-03-20T17:38:42Z")
> [@alexandra](#): > > I understand that it’s going to be really awkward yelling across a crowded Tube at rush hour… There’s also nothing wrong with asking someone in the regular seats to give up their seat. Certainly, the priority seats are supposed to give the most apparent social cues, but there’s nothing impolite about asking for whichever seat one happens to be closest to. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2014, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-change-those-priority-seat-signs-on-public-transport/684091/111 "2014-03-20T17:40:20Z")
> [@jsgoddess](#): > > We think the only thing we could possibly think: “Oh, that lance armstrong is so dreamy!” > [@lance\_strongarm](#): > > No you don’t. Okay, this is the funniest thing I’ve read today. ---
**Author:** ![lance\_strongarm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/87869e/32.png) [@lance\_strongarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lance_strongarm)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2014, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-change-those-priority-seat-signs-on-public-transport/684091/112 "2014-03-20T17:43:03Z")
> [@Tom\_Tildrum](#): > > There’s also nothing wrong with asking someone in the regular seats to give up their seat. Certainly, the priority seats are supposed to give the most apparent social cues, but there’s nothing impolite about asking for whichever seat one happens to be closest to. And I welcome you, Tom, to the thread as well. What do the rest of you think of Tom’s suggestion? ---
**Author:** ![Maeglin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8baadc/32.png) [@Maeglin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maeglin)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2014, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-change-those-priority-seat-signs-on-public-transport/684091/113 "2014-03-20T18:19:27Z")
> [@lance\_strongarm](#): > > And I welcome you, Tom, to the thread as well. > > What do the rest of you think of Tom’s suggestion? Unsurprisingly, I think you’re still an asshole. ---
**Author:** ![Athabasca](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b38774/32.png) [@Athabasca](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athabasca)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2014, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-change-those-priority-seat-signs-on-public-transport/684091/114 "2014-03-20T18:27:40Z")
ScifiSam, I was wondering about the use of a motorized scooter or wheelchair? I think a Rascal scooter was mentioned earlier, but I’m not sure if that was answered. Is it possible for you? ---
**Author:** ![lance\_strongarm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/87869e/32.png) [@lance\_strongarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lance_strongarm)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2014, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-change-those-priority-seat-signs-on-public-transport/684091/115 "2014-03-20T18:33:05Z")
> [@Maeglin](#): > > Unsurprisingly, I think you’re still an asshole. Why? Explain exactly why please. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2014, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-change-those-priority-seat-signs-on-public-transport/684091/116 "2014-03-20T18:36:25Z")
> [@Athabasca](#): > > ScifiSam, I was wondering about the use of a motorized scooter or wheelchair? I think a Rascal scooter was mentioned earlier, but I’m not sure if that was answered. Is it possible for you? I wonder how hard a mental leap that is, to go from walking around to using a scooter. Obviously, it probably depends on your personality, but I could see that being a huge thing for a lot of people. ---
**Author:** ![Maeglin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8baadc/32.png) [@Maeglin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maeglin)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2014, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-change-those-priority-seat-signs-on-public-transport/684091/117 "2014-03-20T18:40:06Z")
> [@lance\_strongarm](#): > > Why? > > Explain exactly why please. When I explained it painstakingly, which word didn’t you understand? I know “apotheosis” has a bunch of syllables, but I figured you might look it up. ---
**Author:** ![andros](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e480ec/32.png) [@andros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/andros)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2014, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-change-those-priority-seat-signs-on-public-transport/684091/118 "2014-03-20T18:40:18Z")
> [@lance\_strongarm](#): > > Why? > > Explain exactly why please. Not to speak for **Maeglin** (although, full disclosure, I find him _almost_ as dreamy as you), but…why bother? If other people think you’ve come across as a dick in this thread, but you remain convinced you have not, their explanations will fall on deaf ears. No examples will cause you to change your belief in your own righteousness. In some ways, you’re right: **alexandra** and **Tom Tildrum** said some of the same things you’ve said. And yet, people have not–and will not–jump their shit. Might that not be worth thinking about? Maybe it’s not the message, but the medium. ---
**Author:** ![andros](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e480ec/32.png) [@andros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/andros)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2014, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-change-those-priority-seat-signs-on-public-transport/684091/119 "2014-03-20T18:44:22Z")
> [@jsgoddess](#): > > I wonder how hard a mental leap that is, to go from walking around to using a scooter. Obviously, it probably depends on your personality, but I could see that being a huge thing for a lot of people. Plus, you need to use your hands to run the thing, which **Sam** can’t do. And it sacrifices a lot of mobility. As awful as it is, **Sam** can at least get on the train under her own power; getting on a packed train in a scooter is going to be a giant PITA. Not trying to shoot the idea down; it may be the best option. But it does require lifestyle changes. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2014, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-change-those-priority-seat-signs-on-public-transport/684091/120 "2014-03-20T18:48:37Z")
> [@andros](#): > > Plus, you need to use your hands to run the thing, which **Sam** can’t do. And it sacrifices a lot of mobility. As awful as it is, **Sam** can at least get on the train under her own power; getting on a packed train in a scooter is going to be a giant PITA. She just needs a cowcatcher on the front! 🙂 OP, we’re just spitballing here, and may stumble on something that helps some, though obviously you’re allowed just to vent. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-change-those-priority-seat-signs-on-public-transport/684091.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-change-those-priority-seat-signs-on-public-transport/684091.md?page=7)