Is the Metro changing behaviours

Newspapers usually print their estimated readership on the front page, but as a friend pointed out recently the Metro free newspaper readership can be doubled or tripled due to the 'read and pass on' culture that has developed on buses, trains and London Underground.

Metro proudly promotes they are 'the world's most popular free newspaper' which is amazing and a great acheievement but I believe they have acheived something far greater. Something that is embedded deep in the British psyche – Britishness, being quiet on public transport, ignoring each other. Traveling day after day with the same people but never speaking or interacting, because that's who we are, how we should behave.

Since the Metro has become part and parcel of the everyday hustle bustle of commuter heaven I have observed this: people smiling as they say, "could you just pass me the (as they point at a Metro on an empty seat)" or "sorry is that your? (pointing at a Metro). No? Great could I...", "Yes please do, be my guest". Such pleasent interaction as we ask and pass on the Metro newspaper, one to another throughout many commutes across the UK.

Oh such pleasantness, politeness, smiling and nice gestures – in essence a change of behaviour!

In my world that makes the Metro a super charged brand – it's not only good, in fact the best and biggest, but it is actually changing behaviours. And to change the behaviour of the British public commuting to work in the mornings is none short of miraculous!