Transport for London (TfL) has launched a campaign this week targeting passengers who play music or videos out loud on public transport, with posters appearing on the Elizabeth line and other services from autumn. The initiative aims to address what some see as a decline in public courtesy, particularly since the pandemic.
Under TfL bylaws, singing or playing music without a licence, such as those granted to approved buskers, is already banned across the network. However, opinions on the campaign are divided, with some welcoming the move and others questioning how it will be enforced.
Tom, a 33-year-old lecturer from Leeds, said the campaign is 'long overdue' and noted that many people have 'forgotten how to behave with common courtesy in public.' He argued that addressing the issue requires a two-way approach, with the state investing in public transport to make it a source of pride. Michael, a 35-year-old trade union official from Sheffield, who is autistic, described the constant noise as 'really upsetting' and said polite requests are often ignored, with some passengers becoming threatening.
Others are sceptical. Chris, a 61-year-old paralegal from London, pointed out that TfL's provision of internet access on the underground inevitably led to the problem, and doubted it could be effectively dealt with without more staff. Stephanie, a 58-year-old career coach from London, argued that there are bigger issues to worry about, such as broken escalators and lack of toilets, and said people should 'suck it up and get over it.'
John, a 68-year-old retired Londoner, criticised TfL for its own noise pollution from excessive announcements, saying the barrage of messages is 'incessant.' Shell, a 48-year-old singer from Cardiff with one-sided hearing loss, described loud phone conversations and media playback as creating an 'extremely unpleasant and stressful environment' for those with hearing issues.
