This obscure rule could get you kicked off your next bus ride—Aussie’s shocking story reveals why

Navigating public transport can be a breeze for many, but for some, an unexpected encounter with a little-known rule can turn a simple bus ride into a perplexing ordeal. This was the case for one Australian who found himself barred from boarding a bus, leaving him—and us—wondering about the nuances of public transport etiquette.


The incident, which has sparked a flurry of online debate, occurred after the man, fresh from a swim at Coogee Beach in Sydney's eastern suburbs, attempted to hop on a bus clad only in board shorts and thongs. With a towel in hand but no shirt on his back, the driver promptly denied him entry, citing concerns that his lack of attire could make other passengers feel uncomfortable.


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Bus rides should be a stress-free experience for all passengers. Image Credit: Freepik


The story, shared on Reddit, quickly gained traction as social media users weighed in on the appropriateness of a dress code for public transport. The bus operator, Transdev John Holland, while not commenting on the specific incident, reminded that their drivers are guided by the Passenger Transport Regulation (2017). This regulation empowers drivers to refuse or eject passengers whose body, clothing, or luggage might soil or damage the vehicle or the belongings of others.


The question of whether there are objective clothing standards for public transport or if it's left to the driver's discretion has been a hot topic. One Reddit user, reflecting on their training from over two decades ago, noted that such guidelines were indeed part of the curriculum, but enforcement often varies from driver to driver.

A current bus driver from the eastern suburbs chimed in to support the decision made by their colleague. They highlighted that health and safety regulations have long stipulated a dress code, which includes the requirement for shirts and footwear. The rationale is clear: no passenger wants to sit in a seat dampened by someone else's sweat or be pressed against a shirtless body on a crowded bus. This policy, they revealed, applies equally to all genders, including women in bikini tops.

Interestingly, most social media users sided with the bus driver, agreeing that the shirtless passenger was in the wrong. The consensus seemed to be that while the sight of a topless individual might not be offensive to everyone, the hygiene implications on a hot day are a different matter entirely. 'It's a no from me and I'm no prude. I'm with the bus driver on this,' one user commented.


However, not everyone was unsympathetic to the shirtless man's plight. Some argued that a beach side bus service should perhaps offer a bit more leniency, suggesting that the man could have been allowed to wrap his towel around himself as a compromise.

This incident serves as a reminder to all of us who use public transport: it's essential to be aware of the rules, both written and unwritten. While some may argue that certain regulations seem trivial or outdated, they are in place to ensure the comfort and safety of all passengers. It's also a call to transport authorities to perhaps review and communicate their policies more clearly, especially in areas frequented by beach goers and tourists who might not be familiar with local transport norms.
Key Takeaways

  • A shirtless man was denied a bus ride due to a dress code regulation after trying to board a bus in Sydney.
  • Transdev John Holland, the bus operator, highlighted the importance of passenger comfort and hygiene as key reasons for upholding dress code rules.
  • Social media users generally supported the driver's decision to refuse the passenger, citing health and safety concerns.
  • Passengers are required to adhere to clothing regulations as per the Passenger Transport Regulation (2017), which allows drivers to deny access to those who may soil or damage the vehicle or the comfort of other passengers.
So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, next time you're planning to catch a bus after a leisurely swim or a workout, remember to pack that extra layer of clothing. It might just save you from an unexpected walk home. Have you ever encountered a similar situation or were unaware of certain public transport rules? Share your experiences in the comments below—we'd love to hear your stories and tips for navigating the sometimes tricky world of public transport etiquette!
 

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What a lot of us grew up with in regard to dress etiquette has long gone out of the window.....the state of casual dress seen these days from women and men and those in between really is something to behold. A lot of the younger generation and even those quite a few years older seem intent on trying to dress as bold as they can.....whether it's just fashionable, or just a case of wanting attention it appears that nothing is out of consideration in terms of attire these days. I must admit that a lot of it doesn't really bother me too much, it's a changing world and you can't live in the past.....but there is the odd occasion that I think the "less is more" thought can be overboard at times. Geez, I must be getting OLD.:ROFLMAO:
 
I wouldn’t like to sit next to a person who has vile body odour, or a sweaty body and even worse a sweaty bare body. Respect for oneself and, especially for others, is important. The seats in buses and trains are far too small, narrow and close to avoid touching one another and having to move away from the person sitting next to you and be uncomfortable.
 
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I wouldn’t like to sit next to a person who has vile body odour, or a sweaty body and even worse a sweaty bare body. Respect for oneself and, especially for others, is important. The seats in buses and trains are far too small, narrow and close to avoid touching one another and having to move away from the person sitting next to you and be uncomfortable.
Or a sweaty salt encrusted body with slathered on sunscreen holding remnants of sand ... the list goes on.
 
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Nowhere in the Passenger Transport Regulation (2017) document is reference made to a "dress code". This is the only reference made to a passenger's clothing and then it is only the "opinion" of the driver or authorised officer and is open to interpretation as highlighted in red.

55 Direction to leave public passenger vehicle, train or railway premises

(1) A driver of a public passenger vehicle or train or an authorised officer may direct a person to leave, or not to enter, a public passenger vehicle or train if the driver or authorised officer is of the opinion that—
(a) the person’s body, clothing or luggage (or any other thing on or carried by the person)—
(i) may soil or damage the public passenger vehicle or train or the clothing or luggage of other passengers, or
(ii) is of such a size or has such dimensions that it cannot be accommodated in the public passenger vehicle or train without inconvenience or danger to other passengers or to the driver, or
(b) the person is otherwise causing, or is likely to cause, inconvenience to other passengers or to the driver of the public passenger vehicle or train (whether because the person is under the influence of alcohol or another drug, or for any other reason), or
(c) the person is committing an offence under this Regulation in or on the public passenger vehicle or train, or
(d) the person is committing an offence under section 4 of the Graffiti Control Act 2008 in relation to the public passenger vehicle or train.
 
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I have just re-read the article and came across this absolute joke!

This incident serves as a reminder to all of us who use public transport: it's essential to be aware of the rules, both written and unwritten.

An unwritten "rule" is not a rule, nor is it enforceable. If I decided to go shirtless on public transport, and a driver tried to tell me I am not allowed on the bus because of his "opinion", then I will him he has no power to do so. Bus drivers cannot issue infringement notices, only authorised officers, and only then, when acting within their responsibilities AND the law, not on the basis of a flimsy "opinion".

You can't make "laws" up as you go.
 
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Perhaps the issue is not so much what rules are enforceable, but rather what the 'rules' are trying to do? The aim of the game here is consideration for other passengers.

An unwritten rule is an expectation which you can ignore if you choose, but you should be aware of it nonetheless. Ignorance of social niceties and customs is not bliss. For anyone.
 
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Perhaps the issue is not so much what rules are enforceable, but rather what the 'rules' are trying to do? The aim of the game here is consideration for other passengers.

An unwritten rule is an expectation which you can ignore if you choose, but you should be aware of it nonetheless. Ignorance of social niceties and customs is not bliss. For anyone.
Still, an expectation is not a law, thereby not enforceable.

Same as the deluded concept of "etiquette". Means SFA in the whole scheme of things.
 
Still, an expectation is not a law, thereby not enforceable.

Same as the deluded concept of "etiquette". Means SFA in the whole scheme of things.
yep those days are long gone I'm afraid......went out with the DODO bird back in the day. Let's never forget the old saying....tread cautiously, it's a jungle out there.
 
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