An introduction to the "unspoken" rules on the SG MRT (2)

… continued from PART ONE!

#4: Meeting and beating the group party

(I know it kinda seems I am overusing this diagram but once again, I stress, it’s REALLY all encompassing!)

People discussed: Dev, Tay & Dave
Seat in question: G

Groups. I hate them and love them. When I am not part of their group, they occupy such massive space and talk so loudy. I really rather not hear about your plans and strategies for work or how last night’s match was. REALLY. But when I’m part of a group, ah, the possibilities just make me shiver in delight!

It’s debatable who gets Seat G. It depends, once again, on which way person in Seat G gets up (see #2) and whether someone from the group expressedly says to his friend, “Hey sit.” Either way, I hate it. Simple because, either way Dev gets sidelined.

a) Dev can’t possibly (remember this is written by a very diplomatic person) just charge ahead and sit down if say Tay gestures the seat to Dave can he? Of course, he can! It’s just me. -.-

Well, the good news is, groups usually don’t sit because they rather stand and chat (well, since chatting is quite awkward if one person is seated and the other standing).

#5: Showing idiots who’s boss

People discussed: Raj & Karl
Seat in question: F

Sometimes, some people get desperate. It’s normal and it’s frequent. In this situation, Raj was here first and didn’t do a very good job in marking his territory and that attracts predators. Karl is one such predator.

There isn’t enough space for Karl to put 2 feet in the space he needs to be in to content on equal ground with Raj so he does a sideways stance. This can WORK as well if Raj is not careful. First I must say that the chances of Karl getting the seat is only 20% but it’s still something to be wary about.

The reasoning behind this possibility is fairly simple. See #2. The way the person in Seat F stands up can create an opportunity for Karl to grab the seat.

To overcome this, Raj must bank on this 80% and be quick to make body gestures (however small will make a difference) and advance to the seat at every opportunity. That includes being overly considerate to make way for person in seat H by moving in front of Karl. Using half his body or a well-positioned feet will do as well. All about marking territories and being firm about it.

#6: Beating the odds

People discussed: Karl & Buba
Seat in question: E

Now that we have made Karl seem like a complete ass in #5, let’s see how Karl can get the seat from Buba. Who does seat E belong to?

It looks like it rightfully belongs to Buba but one significant factor will determine it all – who’s nearer to Seat E. The all important rule in #2 about the way the person gets up from the seat? Yup, that will be, once again, another major deciding factor in this situation. Assuming Seat E is the corner seat, the person seated in E will definitely get up and head for the exit.

Let’s find out who gets Seat E in the below situations!

a) If he/she gets up and exits to the left of Karl, then my friends, Karl can deploy the overly considerate tactic by moving in front of Buba (thus blocking and) to send her a “FYI, This is MINE” message.

b) If he/she gets up and exits to the right of Buba, then as you can see, depending on how Karl positions himself. He determines his own fate. Much like situation A.

c) If he/she gets up and exits between Karl and Buba, Karl may get the seat if he pretends not to see him/her needing space to leave and let Buba do the moving. In essence, the further you move to an unfavourable position, the lesser the chance of you getting the seat.

Buba can move slightly and look like this is the best she can do and then let person in Seat E stare Karl till he moves as much as you did. Then the seat is up for free-grabs! Faster butt first!

And that concludes my posts on this topic. I hope it was enlightening! Or well, at the very least entertaining. I know this won’t eliminate meeting idiots on MRTs but at least I got this off my chest! HAH.

– THE END (for now) –

Omg I am so tired now.

Just remember, you plot only against those as able-bodied as you.

Like it or not, whether my seat was hard won or not, one of the 3 above come by, I start all over. :/ Ah well, such is life. They need the seats more than me.

I have seen young people sitting in the PRIORITY SEATS and just plain ignoring people who needs the seat more than them. So inconsiderate. TSK. Another story, for another time.