NZ Unspoken: Have people become ruder on public transport? | nzherald.co.nz

[@dave24-73]

People are just ruder full stop. NZ has a major social decline. It’s not a COVID thing it started with people sitting on the seat closet to the aisle and then ignoring everyone around them with music playing on in their ear buds. When elderly people are forced to stand because some teen is hogging as much seat as possible, that’s a decline in society.

[@dave24-73]

@@PalaGov-dot-TVrespect has to be earned only to a degree, there are some things you should automatically respect, elders is one of them. It’s like if someone holds a door open for you, you haven’t earn that respect they are just being polite. Anyone who is self centred enough to think that they can use respect has to be earned as an excuse is a prime example of the decline in NZ society. There is a reason there are signs on all public transport showing handicapped, elderly, pregnant people and communicating they have priority seating. The elderly didn’t price anyone out of the market, it was a combination of immigrants and people subdividing, it was usually the gen Z not the older generation, more middle aged.

[@Deedeedoesitnope]

I always felt like since covid, our society has changed and become more reserved, emotionally imbalanced and still somewhwat stuck in their own bubble, because for 3 years(?) we were forced to abide by extreme rules and to sacrifice the way we see the world, ourselves and our lifestyles. I especially felt sorry for those who lost loved ones during those times. Although, I do hope with the new year, that people come to acknowledge others as human beings aswell. We all went through the pandemic together. So let's hope that this year, everyone has the capacity to spread kindness, not hate because that's what the world needs.

[@ianuy3346]

I also think during covid, shitty people found other shitty people online and now they think there ideas are accepted.

[@Zergcerebrates]

It seems to be the same in the USA as well.

[@MM-vo5xn]

Yes i think people in general (not just on public transport, but everywhere in NZ) are more rude, especially since covid. Since covid people are more aggressive.

[@FindAReason-mi7go]

In Australia bus drivers are cranky. I gave up on public transport and haven't used it for ages. You get the lowest socioeconomic people on public transport. The kind of dregs you get on public transport are the kind that you do not want to offend. 80% of the problems are related to the indigenous people. I don't know how bus drivers put up with driving. They have a "we have DNA kits and spitting on drivers will not be tolerated" signs behind them - or something like that.

[@bjb4190]

When I got buses in the 1970s in Wellington as a child, the bus drivers were aggressive then. Moody. Took out anger on young people. Today, they treat elderly and people with disabilities with disdain. Some drivers. Not all. But. That is no consolation. The statistic that it is some, not all, is meaningless when you are in the receiving end of this aggression. The bus driver growls at me when I ask to lower the floor. Just get On! He says. Abuse in any other setting. It’s no worse than forty years ago.

[@davidcampbell3642]

I agree with the driver. You are one of these people who are always complaining.

[@bjb4190]

How would you even know that. That’s absurd.

[@davidcampbell3642]

@@bjb4190 I live in NZ. You lot are always moaning and making out you are the victim, when most of the time it is you lot that stir it up.

[@bjb4190]

Yeah. So true. I am always playing the victim. 😢😢boo hoo

[@jemma_19988]

Most drivers are new to NZ and do not understand kiwi culture

[@pariahgraph]

You know I hadn't thought about it before so this is really interesting. I kinda reckon etiquette almost hasn't kept up: I got taught table manners but not the etiquette of watching Reels or taking phone calls on the bus cause those weren't an issue when my parents grew up.

[@weltschmertzz]

That makes a lot of sense that if you are considerate, some people who were not exposed to it at home gets an example and learns how to better behave in public

[@brand8590]

The guy in the background just trying to eat his lunch in peace...lol.

[@darianstarfrog]

The chick interviewed was high on downers too.. I know cos I used to be in that scene, she's text book..

[@pdgona8211]

Yes. I was on the Orbiter route in Christchurch. And there were two guys yelling, swearing at one another. One of the men was Jewish and the other man began to say some very anti semetic stuff. And that's an understatement. But the Jewish man was also no better. They almost got into a physical fight. My mum was with me and now she never takes the bus anymore

[@thycatalyst]

I had an individual remark upon how miserable his life was and then go off on a racial tirade against tourists who were simply inquiring about travel routers with the driver, its disgusting.

[@colinboggust2950]

Earphones and iPhones are the real problem. I really lost my fitness over lockdown so it is now a real physical effort taking the bus to the train

[@magicweaver2886]

I have found that the attitude of the bus driver dramatically changes the atmosphere on the bus. People tend to behave better and be kinder to each other when the bus driver politely greets you when you hop on the bus and wishes you a good day when you depart. Although as someone who works in customer service I can very much understand getting fed up with people. In terms of thanking bus drivers, I almost always do. The only times I don't are when I'm one of several people getting off at the stop and saying thank you is awkward due to not wanting to be in the way, or when they have been a very rude driver. So that would be like not waiting long enough for people to sit down before moving (had one driver speed off before an elderly gentleman had sat down), or being reckless with their driving (almost ended up under a truck at one point).

[@moiscotv]

I blame social decline, the lack of manners and discipline in people these days, and lack of respect for one another. I remember growing up, not even 15-20 years ago, and people were a lot more respectful, mannered, and knew what was acceptable in public and what wasn't. It really is a shame. This isn't just a New Zealand issue, its happening in North America and Europe too.

[@jemma_19988]

It is called multicultarism

[@thefinkie6459]

"They say bus drivers are receiving more harassment these days, so let's go and talk to someone who knows the most about this... a rich manager who's probably never set foot on a bus!"

[@andretorben9995]

The stresses that "modern living" puts on people, especially in regard to cost of living in general is making people more angry and short tempered, furthermore nobody seems to give a shit about their fellow human around them. Society is gradually turning to crap.

[@jemma_19988]

Since new zealand started mass immigration from third world countries our values,general politeness and personal wealth have declined markedly

[@davout71]

I think covid and storms etc has nothing to do this. I am a long time Auckland bus user and have really seen things going down the toilet for some time. My pet peeves. People who don't queue. No problem with phone calls but can't stand people who talk loudly so we all have to join your call. The blutooth speakers. I love mine and I love it loud but I would never assume people want to listen to my music. Can't stand people who ramp up their's.

[@kimkay2196]

Youth are the worst self entitled nowadays generally never say please or thank you play there loud music on bus etc

[@jonothanhithcock6700]

especially the younger generation as well as some of immigrants i found rude covid didnt help.

[@ADawoodKiwi]

I don't agree with this approach that every decline in behaviour can be explained by COVID and economics. I think we should look at broader cultural and media trends

[@grobbosixtyone]

People have become rider everywhere. They have no respect for others.

[@jonothanhithcock6700]

Yes mate

[@japanesefunnyshorts8584]

The irony of "etiquette" originating from France lol.

[@Theodisc]

The irony of the _«rosbifs»_ Anglos of many nations visiting France speaking English at the French without learning a "Parlez-vous anglais monsieur/madame" first and also breaking many of the unspoken rules of étiquette that the French habituate themselves by. I grew up there for some years. I have seen this.

[@manutaputalatiu1051]

Yeah

[@wheresthedeli8822]

I can't believe you get paid to do this. Cereal

[@emmaluvsjesus1996]

Really interesting takes!

[@martinclyde-wilkie6022]

This was great! 😆

[@growtocycle6992]

People are spending more attention on their phones than the people around them There is an air of entitlement among a number of people in several demographics, which seems to be interesting. Morality in general seems to be on the decline, as religion is in decline

[@michaeloxlarge4345]

Our society similtaniously lacks manners and balas