I've always wondered, in these situations, do you at least have enough room to use a smartphone, or is even that asking too much in the crowds? Where I live, public transportation doesn't typically get that congested.
Probably, it's been 15 years since I commuted.. ;-) I'm not sure I could do anything "productive" standing on a smartphone though but I imagine it'd be great for catching up with Letterpress(!)
The south east of England is notorious for crowded public transport. You're basically looking at several million people hitting it at the same time (and driving is a nightmare so public transport is very busy).
In the worst crush loads I've experienced commuting in Tokyo, I could read a small book only by holding it above my head and looking up... Most days weren't quite that bad, but "can't really move" was common.
[I tried to go in late so my morning commute was often downright pleasant, lazily reading in the morning sun... I also liked commuting because it took me through a range of interesting and popular station areas, and sometimes I'd get off and go shopping or meet someone for dinner or something; I found this much easier (mentally) than making a special trip to do the same after a hard day's work. Now I walk to work and sort of miss my commute...]
In a rush hour subway, you may have room to read on your phone, but probably shouldn't use it without a wrist strap. If you're bumped (and you will be) and drop it, you'll never see your phone again.
Comments
I've always wondered, in these situations, do you at least have enough room to use a smartphone, or is even that asking too much in the crowds? Where I live, public transportation doesn't typically get that congested.
Probably, it's been 15 years since I commuted.. ;-) I'm not sure I could do anything "productive" standing on a smartphone though but I imagine it'd be great for catching up with Letterpress(!)
The south east of England is notorious for crowded public transport. You're basically looking at several million people hitting it at the same time (and driving is a nightmare so public transport is very busy).
There's of course a range of densities. :]
In the worst crush loads I've experienced commuting in Tokyo, I could read a small book only by holding it above my head and looking up... Most days weren't quite that bad, but "can't really move" was common.
[I tried to go in late so my morning commute was often downright pleasant, lazily reading in the morning sun... I also liked commuting because it took me through a range of interesting and popular station areas, and sometimes I'd get off and go shopping or meet someone for dinner or something; I found this much easier (mentally) than making a special trip to do the same after a hard day's work. Now I walk to work and sort of miss my commute...]
In a rush hour subway, you may have room to read on your phone, but probably shouldn't use it without a wrist strap. If you're bumped (and you will be) and drop it, you'll never see your phone again.