Home International Subways An etiquette campaign in Toronto, inspired by NYC

An etiquette campaign in Toronto, inspired by NYC

by Benjamin Kabak

Jason Shelowitz, the man behind the guerrilla art subway etiquette posters, is inspiring some copy cats. After Jayshells’ posters earned some headlines last week, Toronto’s National Post produced some subway etiquette PSAs of their own.

Calling themselves the Toronto Transit Civility Commission, the writers say that people are mostly concerned with unnecessary noise, bad body odor and those who clip their nails on the subway. The same boorish behavior we see in New York appears to be endemic outside of the Big Apple.

My favorite one, though, is the anthropomorphic backpack. Too many people believe they can put their bags — and feet — on empty subway seats, and then they stare daggars at anyone audacious enough to ask them to move. Here in New York, the MTA claims courtesy is contagious, but I haven’t seen that disease spread yet.

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7 comments

Marsha April 30, 2010 - 12:22 pm

Cute backpack!

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Victoria April 30, 2010 - 12:23 pm

It looks so sad and angry that it’s being told it doesn’t get its own seat

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AK April 30, 2010 - 1:47 pm

Indeed! Heck, I’d give up my seat for that backpack!

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AK April 30, 2010 - 1:46 pm

Just remember Ben, “It begins with you.” 🙂

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Alon Levy April 30, 2010 - 2:05 pm

Those posters look very retro, with their bright coloring scheme.

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Peter May 2, 2010 - 9:15 pm

The backpack can get a seat, as long as you swipe your Metrocard 2x.

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Alon Levy May 3, 2010 - 4:46 am

Does this mean that if I swipe I’m entitled to a seat?

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