Greater Greater Washington’s David Alpert has advice on when to give up your seat on Metro or the bus in a lengthy post citing the observations of a pregnant woman, and another woman who was berated for not getting up:

Folks, many people don’t want to go around loudly asking others to give up seats. If you see someone who is less physically able than yourself on the bus, please volunteer the seat. If someone asks you to give up a seat or move over to accommodate someone, please cheerily agree.

In particular, the row of seats nearest the door is reserved by law for seniors and persons with disabilities when necessary. If you’re in one of those, it’s extra important to give up your seat.

Shorter, if somewhat less polite, version: sitting down on public transit isn’t an inalienable right for most of us able-bodied young folks. So get up!

Photo by Mike Hicks