If you’ve ever hopped on a Melbourne tram during peak hour, you’ve probably noticed a curious phenomenon: plenty of empty seats, yet a crowd of commuters stubbornly standing, swaying, and clutching the nearest pole for dear life.
It’s a scene that’s sparked confusion, debate, and even a bit of online outrage. So, what’s really going on here?
Why do so many of us choose to stand when there’s a perfectly good seat just begging for a break?
This everyday mystery recently went viral after a social media user posted a photo of a nearly empty tram seat surrounded by standing passengers, captioned: ‘People who prefer to stand than take a free seat on public transport, why?’
The post quickly gathered steam, with Melburnians chiming in to share their own theories, gripes, and confessions.
Standing room only: The theories
Let’s start with the most common explanation: the art of the quick exit. Many commuters say they stand to avoid getting trapped when the tram fills up, especially if their stop is just around the corner.
‘I’ve always thought people stand to avoid getting stuck and unable to get off,’ one commenter explained.
Another added, ‘Especially if it’s a short stop and you’re getting on before a rush of people.’ For those who’ve ever had to awkwardly squeeze past a row of knees and shopping bags to make a hasty exit, this makes perfect sense.
Then there’s the ‘too hard basket’ approach. Sometimes, navigating a crowded aisle to reach a seat just isn’t worth the hassle.
‘It’s awkward to shuffle past people, so I just don’t bother,’ admitted one commuter. And for those who spend their days glued to an office chair, standing on the tram can actually feel like a welcome change.
‘I sit down in my office all day, so I prefer to stand,’ said another. ‘I sit enough.’
The seat size struggle
Of course, not all seats are created equal. For taller passengers, the cramped dimensions of tram seats can be a dealbreaker.
‘I’m a 6’1 man and the seats are made for tiny munchkin people,’ one frustrated commuter vented. ‘Even if I’m lucky and the person across from me has short legs, we’ll still knock knees.’
Others echoed the sentiment, lamenting the lack of personal space and the awkward contortions required to fit into the seats without playing accidental footsie with a stranger.
Hygiene and fashion faux pas
Let’s not forget the germaphobes and the fashion-conscious among us. ‘Hear me out… people are gross,’ one commenter declared, citing questionable hygiene and the occasional mystery stain as reasons to avoid sitting.
Others simply didn’t want to risk dirtying their clothes on a potentially grimy seat—especially if they were dressed up for work or a night out.
Short trips and social considerations
For some, the decision to stand is purely practical. ‘I’m often not going far,’ said one commuter. ‘If I sit down, I’ll probably just have to get up for someone who needs it more,’ added another, referencing the unspoken rule of offering seats to those who need them most.
And a few people just didn’t see the fuss: ‘Standing for a few stops isn’t exactly a workout.’
But is it safe?
While the reasons for standing are many and varied, safety experts urge caution. As Transport for Victoria points out, trams often share the road with other vehicles, making sudden stops a real risk.
Their advice? ‘Always sit whenever possible and hold on to a pole, handle or strap if you’re standing.’ They also recommend adopting a ‘feet apart, strong stance’ to avoid taking a tumble.
One Reddit user shared a sobering story about witnessing a woman fall and hit her head during a sudden stop—a stark reminder that standing can come with risks, especially for older passengers or those with mobility issues.
The social side of standing
Beyond the practicalities, there’s a social element at play. Some commuters feel more comfortable standing, especially if they’re only travelling a short distance or want to avoid the awkwardness of sitting next to a stranger.
Others see it as a way to be considerate, leaving seats free for those who need them more.
What’s your take?
So, are you a stander or a sitter? Do you brave the seats, or do you prefer to ride out your journey on your feet?
Maybe you’ve got your own theory about why so many of us choose to stand, or perhaps you’ve witnessed a public transport mishap that changed your habits for good.
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Do you stand or sit on public transport, and why? Have you ever had a close call on a tram, or do you have tips for staying safe and comfortable during your commute?
Share your stories and join the conversation in the comments below—let’s get to the bottom of this great Australian public transport mystery together!
Also read: Here’s why some people still evade public transport fares – even when they’re 50 cents
