RECENTLY, a short video posted on Chinese social media garnered people’s attention, in which an old man was denied access to the lower bunk in a train’s sleeping carriage, because the rightful occupant of the bunk put up curtains to protect their privacy.

Once upon a time, it seemed to be a default rule that other passengers could sit in the lower berth, as there were not enough seats available. Traditional sleeping carriages typically feature six bunks facing each other in a single compartment, accompanied by two seats across the aisle. Before high-speed trains became commonplace, passengers embarking on long journeys spent extended periods together in these compartments, fostering a communal atmosphere that encouraged mutual assistance and tolerance.

In response to this latest incident, the railroad authorities said that the rightful occupant has the freedom to put up curtains, and others need to ask for permission before they can sit on the lower berth. This stance aligns with contemporary social values, emphasizing greater respect for personal privacy and ownership.

In public places such as trains and buses, it’s commendable that we yield seats to those in need, because caring for the elderly and young is a Chinese virtue. That said, ethical considerations diverge from legal statutes, and those who refuse to give up their seats may have rightful reasons that they are unwilling to share.

In sleeping carriage management, railway authorities have several potential strategies at their disposal. They could opt to increase seating capacity, reduce the number of bunks per compartment, or prioritize assigning lower bunks to senior citizens during the ticket booking process. David Liu via email