Singapores public train system, the MRT, is full of colorful creatures, loud displaying beings as well as hidden unimposing species. Fortunately for us, since we will have enough material to discuss this wonderful oasis of human being characteristics in many further issues of this topic.
After previous encounters with the easy to spot “Gatekeeper” and “Poleleaner” types, our today’s topic is the rare but all the more annoying “Backpacker”.
(Read: Singapores Real Zoo – MRTs Unexplored Species Part 1 and Part 2)
The Backpacker
The Backpackers species is defined by two separate subgroups, where the common “Backpacker or World traveler“, as only seen very occasionally in Singapore’s MRT territory is not part of our today’s essay. The common Backpacker / World travelers territory is the Cab and there for not of any importance for our overall topic.
The second subgroup however, is the “Common Commuter Backpacker” not extinguished by good behavior guidelines as very often believed. He lives a flourishing life beneath the other MRT species and through exceedingly and targeted appearance, reached a state of non-recognizable existence between the normal passengers.
Characteristics
The “CCB”s most common appearance is in form of the average business person, without any conspicuous features. There are however exceptions where either very unusual formed or huge backpacks, or the appearance of the “Backpacker” himself are more outstanding, but the more common type will simply wear plain boring business dresses.
The main characteristic however, is of course the backpack. The backpack, in most cases black or of any average color, is permanently mounted to the back of the Backpacker and will not be removed to a more space saving and general more convenient position for the other passengers upon entering the MRTs territory.
In an average of 50% of the Backpackers appearance, the backpack will be filled with undefined objects, increasing the range of the whole Backpacker package furthermore to an radius counting for 2 “normal” passengers.
The Problem
The Backpackers common type is either not aware of the shortage of space situation during the MRTs rush hours or, which we of course do not hope or imply, is simply too lazy and disrespectful to change the backpacks position.
Removing the backpack from the mounted position, placing it for example between the legs or simply holding it with both hands, would not only increase the overall sociability in the MRTs territory through eliminating constant collisions with other passengers, but also allow a higher number of passengers to board the train, using it for its original purpose, the transportation.
Solutions? Not many!
So far the “Backpacker” has one of the highest rates on the “acceptance scale” which makes it even more difficult to fight.
The only solution so far is trying to get the backpackers attention about the annoyance his artificial extension is creating. Unfortunately this is only possible by either talking to the Backpacker directly or producing steady simulated collision with yourself. And it even more does not guarantee a “Backpackers” realization of his doing.
(Read: What Everybody Should Know About Singapores MRT (subway) System)
by an Asia experienced 26 year young expat living and surviving in Singapore since years!
Discovering new interesting and strange things everyday, he provides guides, news and tips for how to survive Singapore and how to best prepare for it.
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