MBTA Ads Take On 'Manspreading' And Riding With Big Backpacks

The MBTA is trying to curb one of the most annoying behaviors by some passengers.

Commonly known as "manspreading," it's the tendency of some people to sit with their legs wide apart, crowding out riders who might otherwise squeeze into a seat on a packed train.

The T has begun a lighthearted digital campaign to discourage manspreading and other violations of subway etiquette, including riders with large, heavy backpacks that take up space and often bang into other passengers.

One brief animated video, recently debuted at the Copley Station, shows a fat cat rolling around on a chair with a message reminding passengers to only take the seats they need.

It ends with the words, "Courtesy Counts."

"Courteous behavior makes the transit experience a more pleasant one," interim MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak said in a statement, "and we hope these fun and friendly reminders will increase public awareness."

With reporting by The Associated Press and the WBUR Newsroom