Even sitting posture has restrictions now: Spain’s “bus etiquette” urges passengers to stop breaking the rules

Spain’s “bus etiquette.” (Photo/Ayuntamiento de Madrid)

Using public transportation while traveling not only saves money but also offers one of the best ways to experience local life. However, each public transport system has its own set of passenger regulations. Recently, Madrid, Spain, issued a “bus sitting posture ban,” asking passengers who habitually sit with their legs spread wide to stop occupying the space of adjacent seats.

The “bus sitting posture ban” issued by the Madrid city government originated from the common habit among male passengers of sitting with their legs spread apart on buses. This often takes up the space of two seats or makes it uncomfortable for neighboring passengers to sit properly. As a result, a campaign titled “Respect Others’ Space” was launched on public transport.

However, some citizens have countered that instead of singling out male passengers for sitting with their legs spread, attention should also be paid to those who place personal belongings on seats, which equally infringes on the seating rights of other passengers.