A recent study the Japan Private Railway Association (JPRA) reveals that coughing and sneezing were the biggest annoyances trains. A total 5,314 train passengers responded to a JPRA survey behaviour and manners on trains and at stations. "Coughing and sneezing consideration for others" topped the list passenger gripes. An association spokesperson attributed this to remaining effects Covid-19. He said: "The coronavirus pandemic may have ingrained the importance consideration others as a norm." He added: "More people likely feel greater anxiety than before the pandemic when someone nearby coughs or sneezes wearing a mask."
The JPRA has been conducting its polls since 1999 to gauge how people feel their fellow passengers. It hopes to promote better behaviour the future. It said 50.5 per cent of survey respondents cited coughing and sneezing as their top annoyance. Other sources irritation on trains included people stretching their legs, people not moving to make space for others wanting to sit down, and noisy conversations. The JPRA added that "strong scents perfume or fabric softeners" and "poor manners boarding and alighting such as blocking doors" were fourth and fifth the list. The number riders has increased Japan's trains due to a rise tourists visiting Japan.
