IT’S BACK TO work for a lot of people today and what’s the one thing to dread more than being back in the office?

The commute.

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In theory, the commute could be a little time to yourself before work, giving you a few minutes to read a book, or watch a show on your phone or tablet, or even to get a headstart on some work emails if you can.

In reality, it’s a little different – but what you can always count on is coming across certain types of commuters.

Here are six of them.

1. The elbower

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When someone’s queueing for a train, Luas, or bus all they want is to get on first in the hopes of grabbing one of the last few seats.

It’s human nature. Nothing wrong there.

And in an effort to maintain their position against more unscrupulous commuters, they must lock their elbows to avoid losing their place. And maybe give the odd nudge to someone who’s overstepped the line.

2. The pusher

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Moving on and up from the elbower is the pusher. These people actively push others out of their way in order to get the best place in the queue or to manoeuvre their way in front of the door. They’ll even push past people in the aisles in the rush to find a seat.

They’re less common than the elbower, but they definitely exist.

Beware.

3. The frantic seat searcher

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There’s always a growing sense of panic when you get on an almost-full bus, Luas or train. There’s the hope that you’ll grab a seat, and the fear that you’ll be standing all the way to your destination.

So the frantic seat searcher moves down the aisle, eyes darting and hope fading with every passing row.

It’s tough to watch.

4. The real sleeper

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There’s always someone who’s definitely asleep.

How do you know this?

Because they’re slowly but surely leaning more and more on the poor person beside them, who tries to make themself as small and as far away as possible in an effort not to be slept on.

Never works.

5. The fake sleeper

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There’s always one, isn’t there?

You know they’re not sleeping, they know they’re not sleeping, but there’s no way they have to stand up and give their seat to someone more deserving if they’re asleep, can they?

6. The one who gives up their seat

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Ah, these are a rare but beautiful breed. They’re the ones who, even if they are absorbed in their phones or books, will look up occasionally and if they see someone more needing of their seat will give it to them.

It restores faith in human nature really.

Which type of commuter are you? Let us know in the comments below.

No matter what method of public transport you end up on today, or who you end up sitting beside, make sure you head over to Transport for Ireland to sort out all your transport planning needs. You can plan your whole journey from start to finish. Transport for Ireland – your journey starts here.