ANDREW SHORTALL | staff writer
The trolleys are a convenient means of transportation between campuses here at Azusa Pacific, but this convenience can turn into a nuisance when people forego common courtesy.
New students coming into APU may be unfamiliar with a trolley system. They may not know the different societal norms one must adhere to while riding on a trolley. These norms are important to keep in mind. Whenever large amounts of people are crammed into a small space, like the trolleys, and are in a hurry, chances are tensions are going to run high.
Of course, one good way to avoid a treacherous trolley experience is by anticipating the potential problems and showing up early. This means fewer people will be around and the ones who are will not be in such a hurry, which can override common courtesy.
Getting on the trolley can feel like the survival of the fittest. When the trolley pulls up and getting on is the difference between being on time and being late, things can get interesting. At times like these, the loading areas for the trolley can look more like the low post in a basketball game, with people boxing each other out to get on board instead of getting a rebound.
It does not need to be this way. They are simple rules of etiquette the student body can follow to ensure an enjoyable trip on the trolley for everyone.
However, trolley etiquette does not only apply on the trolley itself. It begins as soon as you step in line to get on. Often, when it is busy, the lines for the trolleys are astronomical.
If you need to get from one campus to another, the temptation can often be to cut your way to the front through the crowds to ensure yourself a seat on the trolley.
However, students at a school like APU, which lives by the motto “God First,” should ride the trolleys just like Jesus Christ himself would ride the trolleys.
This means waiting in line wherever fate has placed you, and not cutting through the queue to get on the trolley. Even if you are last and miss the first trolley, it is okay.
As the Bible says in Matthew 20:16, “The last shall be first, and the first last.” When you ride the trolley with courtesy, you are building up your treasures in heaven.
Getting on and off the trolley can also be a sensitive process. Riders may be late for a class and anxious to get off the trolley.
The questions are, who should exit the trolley first? Should the front of the trolley go first? Is it the back, or even the middle? Through careful observation, it can be seen the front of the trolley generally reserves the right to exit the trolley first.
If someone behind you jumps in front of you to exit first, it can be rather perturbing. Something about it just doesn’t seem right after you let the people in front of you leave first.
Remember, the back of the trolley must yield to the front when getting off the trolley. However, if you are in the back of the trolley, do not worry. Keep Matthew 20:16 in your mind and your day will be that much better.
The trolley process can be a much more enjoyable experience as long as people approach it with the right perspective. Do not let the busyness of the everyday routine get in the way of common courtesy.
It is important to keep WWJD in mind when riding the trolley to ensure you are promoting the “God First” motto of Azusa Pacific University.
