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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
