Taking Etihad Rail Soon? Here Are 7 Rules Every Passenger Should Know

The UAE is about to get a lot more familiar with train travel. For some people, hopping on a train is second nature. For others, especially those who’ve spent years relying on cars or the Metro, this might be completely new territory. Either way, a little train etiquette and following the rules go a long way, especially when you board the Etihad Rail.

Taking Etihad Rail Soon? These 7 Unwritten Rules Will Help

The good news is that none of it is complicated. Most of it comes down to being aware that several hundred other people are sharing the same space as you.

1. If You Can, Be Ready With Tickets Before The Train Arrives

Nobody enjoys last-minute scrambling on a platform. Have your ticket ready before boarding starts and know which carriage and seat you’re heading to. Also, try not to stand directly in front of the doors while waiting. People need to get off before anyone gets on, and stations move much faster when everyone remembers that.

2. No Suitcase Needs Its Own Seat

Once you’re inside, move away from the doorway instead of stopping. Larger bags belong in the luggage areas, while smaller ones can go under your seat or overhead. Keeping bags in aisles might not seem like a big deal until somebody trips over one while carrying coffee. Or a child does. Also, emergency exits should stay clear at all times.

Also Read: Can You Take Your Dog Or Falcon On Etihad Rail? Here’s All You Need To Know!

3. Keep Your Phone Volume Down During Scrolling

This one feels obvious but somehow still needs saying. Use headphones for videos, music and voice notes. Keep phone calls short and avoid using speaker mode entirely if you can help it. For many people, train journeys are nap time, work time or simply staring-out-of-the-window time. Your playlist doesn’t need to become everyone’s playlist.

4. Don’t Film Anyone Without Permission

Train travel means sharing space with strangers. That doesn’t automatically make them part of your content. If you’re filming videos or taking photos, be careful not to capture people without their permission. Privacy rules still apply, whether you’re on a platform or travelling at 200 kilometres an hour.

5. Clean After You Eat

Food is allowed in certain areas, but strong smells and messy meals probably aren’t going to make you popular with the carriage. Also, clear up after yourself. Nobody wants to discover somebody else’s coffee cup rolling around under their seat halfway through the journey.

6. Don’t Debate For Priority Seats

Priority seating exists for a reason. Older passengers, pregnant women and people with disabilities or mobility issues should get first access to those seats. And honestly, offering your seat before being asked usually makes things less awkward for everyone involved.

7. Getting Off Quickly Helps Everyone Else Too

As your stop approaches, gather your things before the train pulls in. Don’t crowd the doors while the train is still moving, and let people nearest the exit leave first. Once you’re on the platform, move away from the doors so others can get through as well.

When everyone follows the basics, the journey ends up being quicker, calmer and a lot less stressful for everybody on board.

Cover Image Courtesy: Etihad Rail/Website