few to do and don’t to add if at all you want to travel ;)
– First have fun and keep smiling, trains are crowded and people are in rush during office hours so don’t panic be clam .

– Men in men compartment (females are allowed but you know) and female in female (Men are not allowed)

– Avoid wearing expensive watches or jewelry

– During peak hours, always keep your pack or bag to the front of you. Wallets and cell phones should be secured in the bag or in front pockets.

– Don’t carry big bags (Trains are crowded and people in rush you don’t want to face them)

– Before getting down make sure you know your destination station get of your seat and make way toward the door (There are announcement in Engilsh,hindi and local of coming station)

– There are doors on opposite side of the train confirm with passengers which door you should alight from as the platform comes on either side depending on stations (Local know which side)

– Every local station station will have at least one ticket counter. The ticket fares will be displayed clearly in a big board or television screens near the counters.

– Ticket prices can vary depending on which class you are going to travel in. Second class (cheaper/crowded/more compartments – Avoid ) First Class (lil expensive a Dollar or so/ lil less crowded /less compartment )

Do not try to hang outside the train. Rail signals and tunnel walls can sometimes be very close to the side of a train

Each train have 12-15 compartments
Ladies (Second Class) (2-3)
Ladies (First Class) (2) Travel in this
General First Class (2-3) travel in this
Handicapped and Cancer patients (1)
General Second Class.(7-8)

If possible travel with trusted local. (Hola me but the beer is on you ;) )

I’m sorry you felt that way. I think sharing the stats is important in explaining the train and what makes it so unique, not just in India but in the world. I have never done a slum tour nor promoted one because I am against exploitation, but riding the train is a convenient and interesting way to see the “chaos of India” everyone who comes here talks about, including me, and in no way is taking local transportation equivalent to tour slum housing. I’ve been in India for 3 years and always take the train while in Bombay for it’s quickness out of choice. I am not writing frivolously & as a promoter of travel to India through my nearly 400 articles on this blog, your last sentence is quite an insult to throw.

It really can be a mess! keep your elbows up!

I’m glad you liked the post! I wouldn’t intentionally use a word that is “slut-shaming”. Skank means sleazy & unpleasant which I don’t think is quite the same thing as say, slut or whore, which I didn’t say. Glad you like the blog though :) & thank you for your comment

Enjoy! It’s a rush.

For sure! Not only fun but a practical way off getting around Bombay.

I’m glad you think so! It’s fun and get’s you where you need to be skipping traffic… which in Bombay means saving you over an hour!

You’re so right! I’ll have to do that next time!

Yeah, I feel ya. Good thing rickshaws are fun too!