Metro Noise Levels, Edmonton vs. Vienna

           Navigating in a new country can be complicated, and that complication doesn’t end with transit.  As we have experienced in Vienna, there is an etiquette about public transit that does not exist in Edmonton and is not necessarily public knowledge.  We have noticed certain behaviours in the Viennese transit riders that contrast with Edmonton transit riders.

            The most noticeable difference between Edmonton and Vienna transit behaviour is the amount of speaking that is done, even between groups traveling together.  We have done some “people-watching” on this trip and have learned some things about the culture here that clearly extends to into transit etiquette.  In general, Viennese people appear to be quieter speakers, and this is especially evident when travelling via transit.  Obviously, we are oftentimes travelling in a large group, which increases our volume. However, during our free time we have sometimes travelled in groups of 2-4 people, and our observations remain the same.  We feel that cultural factors influence both our volume level and the volume levels of the Viennese. We get the sense that people who live here in Vienna are generally more soft-spoken and reserved in their speech; not only on the train, but also everywhere else.

            In addition to keeping the volume levels on transit to a minimum, it is acceptable here in Vienna to take your furry friends on the metro with you, so long as they have a muzzle on, and eating or drinking on the metro is now illegal.  In Edmonton, it is almost the exact opposite.  Animals are prohibited on the Edmonton transit system, with the exception of service animals, and eating foods or consuming non-alcoholic beverages is considered a norm.  After having traveled via Vienna transit, it makes sense that food and drinks are prohibited, and we are loving seeing all the dogs on the transit.

            Below, the photo on the left is an example of the signs posted on the subway doors in Vienna, outlining the behaviours that are prohibited and allowed.  On the right is a map of the Vienna subway system.  While Edmonton transit is basic and help get you from point A to point B, the Vienna subway system is much more developed and caters to needs of the Viennese people. 

Are there any other cultural factors you can think of that may influence the noise level of transit riders in Vienna?

-Matt and Lindsay