Putting an End to ‘Manspreaders’ With Catty Transit Ads

Are you annoyed with some of the strange things people do on board the train? Eating stinky foods, talking too loudly, clipping nails, nose-picking, taking up too much space. Well, these are just a few of the odd, inappropriate behaviors you experience when you ride public transportation. Confronting these offenders can be an awkward experience… not to mention dangerous.

Out of all the irritating acts you’ll encounter on your daily commute, there are two complaints that top the list: people wearing over-sized backpacks that bump take up space, and those with the lay-it-all-out style of sitting, a macho move that is commonly referred to as “ manspreading.” Yes, it has a name.

After following a series of pleas and protests from passengers, the MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) has finally stepped up and are asking people to close the gap (literally!). Recently, train officials unveiled a new digital campaign aimed specifically towards reminding fellow riders they’re in a public space and encourage men to show some decency in over-crowded subway cars.

To lighten the mood and the attention of commuters, train officials created a string of hilariously catty ads. One of the images features an obese orange cat with its rear legs spread open while rolling around callously on a chair. The message accompanying this playful image: “Only take the seats you need. Please don’t take seats that you don’t need, and give up your seat if you see someone who needs it more. Courtesy counts.”

Another displays a dog with a backpack filled with puppies and the words, “Remove your backpack. Backpacks take up space and hit people – please take them off when riding the trains. Courtesy counts.” This message is meant to remind passengers to have some courtesy and take off their backpack when boarding a crowded train.

If you take the MBTA, look for the ads playing on the high-definition digital displays found on the inbound side of Copley Square station.

[Source: Boston Globe]