In an effort to make things more orderly SM Malls began a campaign earlier this year encouraging people to stand on the right and walk on the left when using the escalator. They even released online ads featuring viral elevator girl Cheridel Alejandrino to appear in the promotions – all of it done in the name of efficiency and courtesy.
However, in the end, it would appear to have been a complete failure as it is almost impossible to see anybody keeping one side of the escalator clear for anybody who needs to walk up or down, instead of leisurely coasting.
Having experienced heavily-traveled escalators, including the Hong Kong MTR and the World Trade Center transit hub in New York City, instructions for how to properly ride an escalator without inconveniencing others goes unsaid – it’s almost an instinct. Particularly in New York City, when finding oneself standing on the left side of the escalator while commuters are trying to get to the office, there will be some unsavory words.
In an article on the website Thillist entitled “How not to piss off New Yorkers,” they explain standing on the right and walking to the left is “common sense.”
“All it takes is one oblivious commuter or follower of the ‘you’re not going to get there any faster’ school to muck things up,” the article said.
Rianne Coale wrote in the Chicago Tribune about escalator etiquette as well, asking, “Stand on the right, walk on the left – Walk on the left, stand on the right – WHY is that so hard to execute?”
“If you just want to stand on the walkway, fine; but move to the side; don’t block everyone’s path by standing in the center,” she explained. “If you’re in a group, stand single file; it’s not cute to block the whole thing because you’re not willing to part hands with your sweetie for 30 seconds.”
In an article by Lauren McMah on Australian news site news.com.au, she wrote about the “standing-only” policy at the Holborn underground station in central London, which was met with anger and consternation from commuters.
London Underground operations director Peter McNaught argued, with so few people walking down the escalator, as Holborn has one of the longer escalators in the system, the left side is often left unused.
McMah went on to discuss the “unwritten rule of standing on the left and walking on the right” in Australia, citing a report by Public Transport Victoria that found most commuters were content with the system as is – a contrast to when the requirement is to remain idle on the escalator.
However, in Bacolod City, groups will flock together on the escalator, many times taking selfies; pairs will stand side-by-side; some lone riders will ride on the left side for whatever reason, also playing with their phones; some have even been witnessed sitting on the escalator (because standing is just too taxing apparently); and more often than not, if there is a need to move past, there is no space given.
Not that it is a life or death situation, but a mere lack of politeness and respect.
Yet, when these same individuals find themselves in a crowded subway or metro in a foreign country or on a moving sidewalk at an international airport abroad, it is almost a guarantee, the rules they dismiss and abandon when in the Philippines, they all of a sudden become to dutiful and civil.
Is it based on the stereotype of locals having such admiration for foreigners that they bend over backwards to comply, so much to the point that, when at home, there isn’t one ounce of consideration left for their neighbor? Is it a city known for being an environment where rules are routinely broken without repercussion, but when in another country, where rules matter, there is a sudden urge to be respectful?
In the end, it should not be about what company, country, or city is setting the rules – essentially, escalator etiquette is a mere suggestion. However, compliance with the suggestion that shows one’s character. One can be humble and well-mannered by taking the proper side of the escalator, allowing others to use it as they please as well; or one can be egocentric and only think of their own well-being, while offering nothing but disregard for the person standing next to them (or stuck behind them).
Oddly enough, based on perceptions, many locals would probably be happy to be labeled the latter, there seems to be something about inconveniencing others that many take pride in./WDJ