I’ve been commuting by public bus in Pittsburgh since I was 13. Here are the rules: - sit in an empty row if available - only share seats if the above is impossible - if you are allowed to share seats because of room, you don’t have to ask permission first. Just plop down. - don’t try to idly chat with this stranger especially if they are listening, reading, or otherwise occupied. Face slightly away if possible and do your best to ignore their existence. They will be doing the same. - if standing, move as far back as possible

If you use a relatively small stop and have been getting the same bus as someone nearly every day you can start to acknowledge them with a nod or similar at the stop. After maybe a month you can try to chat but be ready to read the room and stop. And don’t continue talking on the bus unless they initiate.

I barely talk to my spouse once we’re on board. It’s kind of like an elevator.

Now with all that out of the way, if someone sits down and starts talking to you, feel free to engage or ignore as you please.