Public transport is meant to move people from one point to another, but increasingly, it is taking on a different role, one that many commuters did not sign up for. What should be a simple journey is now, at times, turning into an unsolicited dining experience, with passengers forced to endure the sights and smells of others’ meals.
Across daily commute hours, it is not uncommon to find passengers unwrapping full meals in vehicles. Some go as far as eating cooked beans, boiled eggs with pepper, or even heavier local dishes, comfortably seated beside others who have no choice but to endure the moment. While snacks and drinks may seem harmless, the line becomes blurred when strong-smelling foods are introduced into tightly packed spaces.
Public transport, by its very nature, is a shared space. The word “public” suggests a need for mutual consideration, yet this is often overlooked. People board from different environments, with varying sensitivities, preferences, and even health conditions such as allergies. What may be a simple meal for one person can quickly become an unpleasant or even distressing experience for another?
The discomfort is not just about the smell; it is also about proximity and respect. The moment certain foods are unwrapped, especially those with strong aromas like beans or eggs, the scent spreads quickly through the confined space, leaving little room for escape. For many, the journey becomes less about reaching a destination and more about enduring it.
One commuter shared that situations like these can be deeply uncomfortable, especially when one has not eaten. Watching someone eat, particularly food one dislikes, can make the journey even more difficult. He recalled an incident where he had to give up his seat entirely because he could not tolerate the smell of the food being eaten beside him.
Others believe the issue lies not in eating itself, but in what is being eaten. Snacks may pass without concern, but full meals are another matter. One passenger recounted an early morning ride where someone sat next to them eating konkonte with groundnut soup. While the person may have had valid reasons, perhaps a long journey ahead and no time to eat at home, the experience left others struggling with a situation they had not chosen.
Beyond discomfort, there are practical concerns. Some commuters complain of being involuntarily “fed” by aroma alone, left hungry by the smell of food they cannot taste. In other cases, accidental spills and oil stains from meals have ruined clothing, turning a simple commute into a frustrating ordeal.
At its core, the issue raises a broader question about consideration in shared spaces. Public transport is not a private dining area, and while people’s schedules and circumstances differ, the need for awareness remains constant. A journey should not feel like a test of endurance.
As Accra’s transport culture continues to evolve, perhaps it is time for a quiet shift in habits, one that recognizes that in a shared space, comfort should not come at the expense of others. After all, getting from one place to another should not require holding your breath along the way.
Story by Abdul-Razak Fidaus Nadia
@Ahotoronline.com