Once and for all, let’s set the record straight: It is not OK to clip your toenails while riding the MBTA.

Nearly everyday, without question, as we monitor Twitter from behind our desks and as we ride the train to work, we hear and see the horror stories happening on our public transportation system.

People eating smelly foods at 7 a.m., men and women lounging casually, stretching their legs across several seats even though there is a pregnant woman or elderly rider waiting to sit down—it never ends.

So here at BostInno, we decided to get the rules down officially.

Since the MBTA doesn’t have regulations against grooming yourself while on a Red Line train, and the Transit Police—while great at stopping fare evaders—don’t have the jurisdiction to issue a citation for being a rude and inconsiderate passenger, we wanted to develop a pocket guide for all of Boston to reference when confronted by blatant passenger disregard, like not wearing deodorant on a crowded MBTA commute.

To make it truly official, we contacted etiquette professional and president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting in Boston, Jodi R.R. Smith, to find out what is appropriate when traveling with others in a public setting, and what should be avoided at all costs. (That means you, person who refuses to let passengers off a train before cramming on yourself).

Here’s what Smith had to say.

Advice for people who try and get on the train before people can exit:

OK people, this is basic spatial relations. If you allow others to exit first, there will be more room for you to enter the train. And guess what? The driver is not going to leave the station until everyone who can get on is in the car. For those trying to exit, try using your confident voice with a pleasant tone “Excuse me, coming off the train, pardon me…” until you have cleared onto the platform. Sometimes others need a bit of reminding to mind their manners.

Eating food (especially food that smells) on a crowded train:

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We are all busy. Sometimes it is hard to schedule in a meal between all of our other to-do action items. If you must eat on-the-go, choose menu options that are both easy to eat while in motion AND have minimal olfactory issues.  In other words, no messy-smelly foods on the train, please. Unfortunately, until there are etiquette police, there are few options. The first is to give the person the raised eyebrow while hoping he/she gets the message. If the person seems agreeable, you can say “I am terribly sorry to ask, but would it be possible for you to save your meal until later?” Of course, if the car is empty, your best option is to simply move away.

Talking loudly on your phone and having personal conversations:

When in traveling in shared space it behooves all to minimize conversations. Nowadays, with texting taking top billing for communications, this issue is beginning to abate. But there are times when commuters become unwilling listeners in others’ conversations. Please do keep in mind that the occasional BRIEF conversation to convey immediate and relevant information is allowed. Anything over two minutes should be curtailed for later. Should you be trapped next to a talker, begin by making eye contact. This will signal the chatter that you are listening. If the conversation continues, you may offer directions to the non-quiet car. If the talking persists, you can enlist the conductor to ask the chatter to either end the conversation or relocate to the cars where talking is permitted.

Clipping your toenails while riding on a train:

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Private grooming in public spaces is simply unacceptable. If you are near someone doing private grooming in a public setting you should presume the person is unstable and do your best to move as far away as quickly as possible.

Putting your feet up on a seat or laying across seats:

Oh, aren’t we all tempted every now and again to just put our feet up and close our eyes for a mini-vacation…  If the train is nearly empty AND if your shoes are completely clean, go for it.  However, if you are commuting during heavily commuting hours, this is a big no-no.

When the seating is limited, and there is someone with feet/bags/coat on the seat, simply say “excuse me” in your sweetest voice and stand there until the item is removed.  As you sit down, be sure to say “thank you” sincerely.

Not wearing deodorant:

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Here in the United States, we do our best to never smell like humans. The vast majority of us use scented soaps, lotions, potions and deodorants to be sure we smell as fresh as a daisy. We do this for our own enjoyment and as a courtesy to others. Occasionally you will find yourself traveling in close proximity to someone who does not smell as fresh as a daisy. By the time you are on the train together, there is not much you can do other than hold your nose and move away as soon as possible.

Who should you give up your seat for:

Back in the good-old days, everyone knew to vacate a seat for the weak, infirmed and elderly. Nowadays travelers are so hypnotized by their mobile devices, they risk missing their stop. For your safety, and the safety of those around you, you should still be very aware of your surrounding and other passengers. If you have a seat, it should be offered to anyone who appears, or may be, in greater need than you.  This includes – but is not limited to – small children, the elderly, the pregnant, those carrying infants, anyone carrying a heavy physical or emotional burden and those with hindered mobility.

With great chivalry, simply stand and say, “Would you care for a seat?” If the answer is no, simply nod, and you may be seated.

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Did we miss something? What other MBTA rules need to be added to our list? Share them in the comments section below.