Protocol expert María José Gómez y Verdú said the unwritten rule requiring passengers to exit a train before others board must be followed [1].
This guideline is critical because it prevents congestion and ensures the safety of commuters in high-traffic public transport environments [1]. When boarding occurs before exiting, it creates physical barriers that can lead to delays and hazardous crowding.
Speaking on the Spanish television program “Zapeando” on July 2, 2026, Gómez y Verdú said the common friction that occurs at train doors [1]. She said that while the rule is not a written law, it serves as a necessary standard for efficiency across all modes of transportation [1].
"Esta es una regla no escrita que se debe cumplir en todos los medios de transporte, no solo en el tren, para evitar que se haga un tapón que impide el movimiento," Gómez y Verdú said [1].
Beyond public transit, the expert said the broader importance of etiquette in social settings. She said that protocol, and table manners, are indispensable for maintaining a positive image in the eyes of others [2].
During the discussion, she said that some standards are absolute. "Hay una regla de oro en la mesa que nunca, bajo ningún concepto, se puede romper," Gómez y Verdú said [2].
Her appearance on La Sexta aimed to educate the public on how these small behavioral norms contribute to a more orderly society. By adhering to these protocols, passengers reduce the likelihood of bottlenecks that impede the movement of the crowd [1].
“"Esta es una regla no escrita que se debe cumplir en todos los medios de transporte... para evitar que se haga un tapón"”
The emphasis on 'unwritten rules' highlights the reliance of urban infrastructure on social cooperation rather than just formal regulation. When commuters ignore these norms, it creates a systemic inefficiency that slows down transit times and increases the risk of accidents in crowded stations.
