The Metropolitan Transit Authority AKA the Subway recently published statistics about the time wasted by subway riders who do not know how to ride the subway properly. This study is part of a “courtesy campaign,” that the MTA is running, teaching riders how to be normal human beings on the subway. Ads running the length of subway cars depict scenes of dos and don’ts of riding the subway, instructing people to “stop the spread,” “keep your stuff to yourself,” and perhaps most importantly “clear the door so others can board.” As a commuter student who takes the subway and sees these signs imploring riders to be considerate every day, I’ve decided that Stern College for Women needs to run a courtesy campaign of its own as well. We’ve all witnessed some pretty horrific elevator behavior. We’ve all walked out of the elevator positively fuming underneath our cool, calm Stern Girl demeanors.
And so, I’d like to introduce the newest initiative started by our the newest club on campus, Girls Who Are Always Annoying About Everything (GWAAAAE):
INTRODUCING: THE STERN COLLEGE ELEVATOR ETIQUETTE PROGRAM
Rule 1: When the elevator stops on the first floor, wait until everybody gets out until you push your way in. Chances are 98% of the elevator riders will be getting off on the first floor (or 2nd, if you’re in the superior building of 215 Lex).
Rule 2: When you are in the elevator and it arrives at the first floor, wait until people start exiting the elevator. Don’t yell “EXCUSE ME” in the most obnoxious voice you can muster. Everyone’s getting off – just be patient.
Rule 3: Don’t try to discreetly talk about other people on the elevator. I’ve seen it happen, and it just shouldn’t. It ends here.
Rule 4: If you hear someone yell “PLEASE HOLD IT,” then HOLD IT.
Rule 5: If there is literally two inches of space in the elevator, please don’t try to squeeze your way inside. And if you do, don’t keep saying, “Sorry, sorry, I hate being the person that does this.” Just don’t do it. Especially if the elevator is filled to capacity and the doors are about to close. DO NOT put your hand there to re-open the elevators just to make sure that at a second glance that there was not any room for yourself.
If you have any suggestions for Elevator Etiquette rules, please send them to the GWAAAAE club at PleaseBeConsiderate@mail.yu.edu