Too Big to Sit? High-Speed Train Passengers Clash Over Space

Source: OT-Team(G), 光明网

Recently, a social media user shared a post describing difficulties while traveling in a second-class seat on a high-speed train. 

According to the user, the neighboring passenger's large body size—estimated at around 200 kilograms—made it hard to sit comfortably. The user questioned why the railway ticketing system does not account for differences in passengers' body sizes.

The topic quickly resonated with many netizens, some sharing similar experiences. Reports included being forced to lift armrests due to a neighbor encroaching on space, or being squeezed in a middle seat between two larger passengers. Some suggested that affected passengers contact train staff to request a seat change, emphasizing that "larger passengers also have the right to use public transport," and that seat switching offers a practical solution.

12306 customer service responded, noting that passengers who experience crowding due to a neighboring passenger's size should immediately inform train staff and negotiate a seat change. They also acknowledged that the current ticketing system assigns seats based on ID numbers, without information on body size, and that no targeted improvements are currently planned.

It is understandable that passengers feel discomfort when their travel experience is affected by the size of a neighbor. Many people likely share this frustration, which helps explain why the topic has attracted widespread attention.

However, there appears to be no simple solution. Some netizens suggested "larger passengers should buy two tickets," overlooking the rule that one ID can purchase only one ticket. Others proposed requiring them to book first-class or business-class seats, which may be impractical. More structural solutions, such as widening all seats, could reduce train capacity and increase operational strain.

As 12306 noted, there is currently no immediate fix. In practice, contacting train staff to coordinate a seat change may be the most feasible, albeit imperfect, solution.

The discussion also reveals an undercurrent of bias against larger passengers. While some netizens focus on criticizing body size, it is worth remembering that being overweight can result from habits, genetics, or medical conditions, and is a physiological state rather than a reflection of "uncivil behavior."

High-speed trains in China have often become a stage for societal expectations of "civility." In the past, debates focused on issues like eating instant noodles or noisy children; now, attention has shifted to the body size of passengers. Some travelers seem to hope for a flawlessly controlled environment, free of all "anomalies."

Yet, high-speed trains are public spaces shared by diverse individuals. Eating instant noodles may be someone's affordable option; children crying may be unavoidable; and being overweight may also be a source of distress for the individual. People vary in height, weight, and circumstances, making uniform expectations unrealistic.

While uncivil behavior deserves criticism, it is important to distinguish between subjective behavior and objective conditions, intentional acts and unavoidable circumstances. True civility involves nuanced tolerance rather than crude opposition.

In the longer term, there may be opportunities to improve both hardware and services to better accommodate passengers of varying sizes. Measures could include allowing passengers with specific physical needs to report their situation for prioritized seating, or equipping carriages with flexible seating options to manage conflicts.

Ultimately, the essence of civility is respect—for human differences and individual needs. Greater consideration between passengers, along with attentive public service, remains the most constructive path forward.