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Interview with Arturo and Alfonso
Confessions of a pair of shoes
Article published on February 19, 2026
Have you ever had to sit on a dirty seat or seen mud on the back of the seat in front of you? This is the work of someone who could use a refresher on etiquette!
In this interview, Arturo and Alfonso, a pair of meticulously polished Italian leather shoes, remind us that a simple gesture, such as keeping your feet on the floor, can improve the experience for all passengers.
Introduce yourselves and tell us what role courtesy plays in your life.
Arturo: “Buongiorno! My name’s Arturo, and this is my brother, Alfonso. We’re pretty much identical twins. The only way to tell us apart is that I’m a righty and he’s a lefty.”
Alfonso: “Ciao a tutti! We were handmade in a small Milanese shoe workshop, but we’ve called Quebec home for over 5 years now. We consider ourselves to be fervent advocates of courtesy! Our goal is to bring politeness back into fashion in public spaces, particularly on public transit in Quebec.”
In your opinion, how should shoes behave when riding a train or bus?
Arturo: “The first rule that shoes are taught when they learn the basics of etiquette is to avoid placing their soles on seats.”
Alfonso: “Yes, and to respect other people’s space by ensuring their soles are placed on the floor in front of the person wearing them.”
A tip from Arturo and Alfonso
Avoid putting your foot in it! Keep your feet off the seats.
How can we encourage courtesy on public transit?
Arturo: “Regardless of the kind of shoes you wear—whether sneakers, high heels or even slippers!—good manners apply to everyone.”
Alfonso: “I think everyone should feel comfortable when they travel, and that means respecting the spaces and people around you.”
Etiquette is a shared effort
Simple, often spontaneous actions create a smoother, safer, and more pleasant environment.
What if we all followed Arturo and Alfonso’s example? Small gestures can go a long way. A smile can make a big difference. After all, courtesy is contagious.
