Israeli tram riders told to learn some British manners

The company that operates Jerusalem's trams has released a video encouraging Israelis to adopt British manners while using its system.

CityPass, which launched its service in 2011, released a Hebrew-language animated video in which an Israeli recently returned from the UK attempts to explain to another Israeli the value of common British values, such as queuing.

"In London they let people get off the train first, instead of pushing their way on without looking," says David.

"In London people give respect to one another and don't shout - and compete to give up seats to the elderly."

"Do you know what happens to people who get on the train without paying in London? Nothing. They simply don't do it."

In the video, David's friend suggests it will take time "to get used to the mentality," to which David points out that "after you get used to travelling every morning on the underground you simply understand that our behaviour here is mistaken at its core".

The video has so far been watched 240,000 times in Israel.

Though CityPass has lauded the level of etiquette seen on the London transport system, many in London would take objection to such a rose-tinted view.

Controversy recently struck the city when it was announced that an escalator at Holborn station would no longer follow the time-honoured tradition of having people standing on the right, while allowing others to walk up on the left.

In April, Transport for London said that Holborn underground station would require commuters to stand on both sides of the escalator to reduce congestion.

The move provoked fury in some quarters, with one social media user comparing it to "asking mice on the tube to wash their hands before eating".