Ten Things To Do While Travelling On Public Transport

by Marie Vonow (follow)

Writing (64)      Time (50)      Reading (15)      Public Transport (3)      Travelling (2)     

When you are driving a car you can listen to an inspirational talk, music or the radio. Other than that there isn’t much you can do but concentrate on driving. However, when you are travelling on public transport there are numerous things you can do to utilise the time. I am assuming you are fortunate enough to have a seat. If you are standing, sorry, your choices are limited.


Here are ten things you can do-

1. Listen to something using your phone. I know this is pretty obvious, but it is actually something I don’t do but may in the future. It is something that can be done while standing.

2. Read an old fashioned book or magazine.

3. Read a letter from a friend or a newsletter you popped into your bag before leaving home.

4. Read something using your phone or whatever form of technology you have with you.

5. Make a list. This could be your shopping list, jobs to do, goals or any other list.

6. Update your diary. I carry an old school paper diary but whether yours is this type or is on your phone there may be things you need to add. Perhaps you want to check the date of the next long weekend or school holidays and make some plans.

7. Write a poem about the things you can see, someone on the train or any other idea that comes into your head. An easy form to follow is the didactic cinquain written as-
First line- a noun (the subject of the poem)
Second line- two adjectives describing the subject
Third line-three verbs to do with the subject. (Usually the verbs will end with ‘ing’)
Fourth line- four words which show how you feel about the subject
Fifth line- one word which is either the first line repeated or a synonym for this word.

8. Write notes about something. This could be brainstorming or ideas for a specific article if you are a writer.

9. Plan something. It could be -
• A dinner party or an afternoon tea with a group of friends
• Your wardrobe
• Meal plan for the next week
• What you are going to do on the weekend
• Your vegetable garden for the upcoming season

10. Gaze out the window and take note of your surroundings. Note how green or dry the grass is. Observe the clouds. Look at the graffiti on fences or street art painted under the bridge. Alternatively you can stare out the window without noticing anything and become absorbed in your own thoughts or dreams.


Time on public transport does not have to be viewed as an annoying waste of time. You can do something constructive with the time or you can just daydream which is also a valid use of time. If none of these ideas appeal and your trip is long enough, sit by the window and catch a bit of extra sleep. However, if you are likely to miss your stop, ignore this suggestion.

# Public Transport
# Reading
# Travelling
# Time
# Writing

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