I commute by bus every day. The first few weeks I was riding the bus I realized that there were a lot of subtle rules to learn. It turns out that the rules for considerate software and for civility while commuting are not very different. So here goes, lessons from the unwritten, yet carved in stone, bus riders code of conduct.
Lesson One: Consideration makes everything easier for everyone.
Enrolling in “Bus Etiquette 101” reminded me of what it means to interact within the confines of a small space, under duress - during the worst times of the day, early morning and late evening - with strangers.
Lesson Two: There is no one “universal” user.
"Users" range from “veterans” to “never rode a bus before” to “never thought they’d have to ride a bus” to “just riding the bus this one time”.
Lesson 3: All users were new users once.
I take an express bus, (the driver is more like a Nascar driver than a tour guide) passengers shouldn't ask “can you stop over there? ”  or “does this bus go to ___?”; but newbies will, every day.
Lesson 4: Make the rules reasonable.
While most of us use a pass, riders are allowed to pay with cash. Having to use cash is made particularly painful: there is no sign anywhere is say what the fare is, (and you get a really dirty look if you ask), the fare has to be paid in exact change, and you can't get change on the bus.
Lesson 5: Follow protocol, within reason.
The bus often leaves a minute or two late. The driver will wait for stragglers, especially if he is the last express to the city. This is well tolerated because veterans realize that on any given day they could be the straggler.
Lesson 6: Be respectful of others.
Cell phones: a very brief call to say that the bus will be pulling in 30 minutes late; or to ask a spouse to pick up Chinese food is acceptable. However, long calls especially to teenage children, or said children's guidance counselor or psychologist, are particularly discouraged (Those of us who have had teenagers are not anxious to relive these conversations and those who haven’t had teenagers are simply appalled.)
Lesson 7: Be patient and expect mistakes to happen.
One man recently got on the bus via the back door (the back door is reserved for debarking). He got a pretty good tongue lashing from the driver, although he didn’t know he had done anything wrong, after all, the door was open.
Lesson 8: Be aware of the needs of others - adjust for context.
Space is an issue, period. It’s OK to pile your stuff in the seat next to you, but only until the bus starts getting full. When people are searching for a seat it is impolite to force them to actually ask for the seat next to you. After all, they paid for a seat just like you did; and if they have to ask you to move your stuff - watch out.
Lesson 9: Be polite. Do not bait bears.
Keep your cool. You are not the only passenger who is: tired, sick, stressed, etc. And 75 victims of road rage in close quarters does not a pretty trip make.
Lesson 10: Say please and thank you.
Always. If the brakes went out, if the bus was an hour late or you were bounced around like a hamster in a plastic ball – you thank the driver. Hey, you didn’t have thread that behemoth between two semis, in the rain, on a bridge. And remember, when he gets frustrated, he can’t even curse – at least not out loud.
Lesson 11: No cursing – at least not out loud.

What makes software considerate?
Considerate software takes an interest.
Considerate software is deferential.
Considerate software is forthcoming.
Considerate software uses common sense.
Considerate software anticipates needs.
Considerate software is conscientious.
Doesn’t burden you with its personal problems.
Considerate software keeps you informed.
Considerate software is perceptive.
Is self-confident
Doesn’t ask a lot of questions
Takes responsibility
Knows when to bend the rule.
Alan Cooper, About Face 2.0, p. 184