The Signs of the Times

A poster in TTC trains requests commuters not to leave
chewing gums in the underground rail stations
and trains in Toronto

Photo (Toronto: Sept. 2, 2010) © Jerome D'Costa

Chewing gums are popular with some people. Some use them for the sheer pleasure of chewing, others do it to keep their breath fresh, and few others do it for the sole purpose of exercising their jaws!

As a responsible citizen, every one, after its use, is supposed to dispose of the used gum properly so that this may not cause any nuisance to others. Some chewers, instead of throwing gums in the garbage bins, throw them on the floor or stick them on station or train walls and seats. This irresponsible behaviour of some cause undue irritation, anger and inconvenience to others who get gums stuck under their shoes or on their clothes and belongings.

Some countries are extremely strict about this nuisance. They impose heavy fines if caught red-handed. I had gone to Singapore several times in the late 1980's and early 1990's. I saw signs in different places warning of fines, amounting to 500 Singapore dollars, for sticking or throwing gums anywhere instead of garbage bins. I heard that the law-enforcement authority there diligently punish the violators of this law. In that respect, the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) is just requesting its customers to keep the TTC gum-free.