In September, our writer Owain James wrote that being surrounded by other people is a strength of public transportation.
It might not seem that way on an overcrowded bus. But it’s the togetherness – sharing space with other people – that gives people a sense of place and makes communities stronger. When you’re driving, there’s no meaningful way to interact with other people or feel connected to the places you’re zooming past.
What makes that transit-induced togetherness even better? Talking to other people.
In 2014, researchers from the University of Chicago wondered why people “routinely ignore each other” in public when we know that talking to other people makes us happy. They asked some commuters on trains and buses to “connect with a stranger” near them or remain the same, talking to no one.
They found that the people who talked to others had a much more positive experience commuting than the people who didn’t talk to anyone, even though the talkers anticipated not enjoying it. “This mistaken preference for solitude stems partly from underestimating others’ interest in connecting, which in turn keeps people from learning the actual consequences of social interaction,” researchers Nicholas Epley and Juliana Schroeder wrote.
When I first read the results of this study in the book Alone Time, I was doubtful. But then I tried it on my own commute – simply by taking off my earbuds, not by striking up a conversation – and I found myself enjoying the train ride so much more. By being present, observing the scene in front of me instead of disappearing into my music, pleasant conversations with the people around me just happened.
So Mobility Lab challenges you to interact with someone on your commute today. Compliment someone’s shoes, give a stranger your seat, complain about the bus being late – whatever little and polite thing you can do to connect to the people around you.
Obviously, don’t ask someone to take off their earbuds or headphones to talk to you, as this notorious, cringe-worthy “guide” for men to hit on women advocated. But if Epley and Schroeder are correct, there are many people on your train and bus who would love to share a laugh with you.
Photo by Sam Kittner for Mobility Lab