This is pretty much par for the course with many T passengers. It's amazing how cranky riding it makes people (admittedly, myself included, sometimes).

But anyone who feels entitled to a seat is way off. I've seen people who put their multiple bags on the seats on either side of them, and pretend they don't notice when infirm and/or elderly people come on. That's three seats taken up.

I've seen people lying down (I hate to be judgmental, but they did not appear to be passed-out drunk, just laying back, relaxed, engrossed in their ipods and their own world). That's four seats.

I could really care less about sitting down; I don't mind standing, but this type of phenomonon creates a situation where others have to stand, and when that happens, people rarely move into the middle of the train to make room for new passengers.

It sounds like this guy was being an asshole, but nonetheless it's not appropriate for passengers or the transit operator to ask an individual to give up his seat. Many people have invisible disabilities and have poor balance or get dizzy on trains, and they shouldn't have to explain that. It's appropriate to ask if someone can please give up a seat for this person, but not to tell an individual that s/he doesn't have a right to the seat.

http://1smootshort.blogspot.com

If the only "vacant" seat is occupied by someone's baggage, I generally make a point of asking, "May I take this seat?" 60% to help the perp get over him/herself, and 40% so I get to sit down. I figure it's my duty as a Bostonian.