Should Food Be Banned on the Subway?

Currently, some cities are considering a food ban on subways, which has sparked heated discussion. Some people say food should be banned because of the trash and rats they attract. And, garbage from discarded food can cause track fires. Beyond sanitary¹ and mechanical concerns, food can also cause fights, as was discovered last week by one passenger who criticized a woman eating steamed stuffed bun on the subway.

However, some others are opposed to the idea. They argue that people like eating in the train in the morning because they don't have enough time to eat at their houses or restaurants. Sometimes that may be the only time or meal a transit² rider may be able to eat especially when traveling long distances. Besides, there are people, for example diabetics, who do require food at various times to maintain blood-sugar levels.

Personally, I'm against the ban because of the huge inconvenience it would cause to commuters, and the expense involved in enforcing it. Still, I believe we should have a little common courtesy. I think we all have responsibility to try to treat our subway system and fellow riders with respect, and that extends to food as well.