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.


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.
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!