UK passengers describe noise and antisocial behaviour on public transport
Andy Burnham has announced a campaign against antisocial behaviour on public transport, including playing music and videos aloud without headphones. Six regular passengers describe how noise and inconsiderate conduct affect their journeys, while questioning whether a campaign can change behaviour if rules are not enforced.
Their experiences include loud phone calls, videos played in quiet carriages, blocked seats and disruptive football supporters. Some have challenged people and faced hostility; others say passengers are reluctant to speak up. Several welcome clearer boundaries but doubt staff or safety officers can enforce them consistently.
In short
- Burnham is targeting loud music and videos on public transport.
- Passengers describe frequent noise and inconsiderate behaviour.
- They question whether the campaign will be enforced.
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The case for
A campaign could make expectations clearer and reassure passengers that playing audio aloud, blocking seats or otherwise disturbing others is not acceptable. Even if enforcement is difficult, visible reminders and staff support may encourage people to change their behaviour and make journeys more comfortable, particularly for those who feel unable to challenge offenders themselves.
The case against
A campaign may have little effect if passengers see rules ignored and staff cannot intervene consistently. Without practical enforcement and support for people who report problems, it could shift responsibility onto passengers to confront offenders, risking hostility while leaving the underlying disruption unchanged.
Explained simply
Public transport is used by people travelling to work, school and other commitments, often in shared spaces where noise and behaviour affect those around them. Antisocial behaviour can include playing audio aloud, blocking seats or disrupting other passengers.
Andy Burnham is the mayor of Greater Manchester, where the campaign is being introduced. The accounts from regular passengers show how difficult it can be to challenge others, and raise questions about how rules should be communicated and enforced.
The issue matters because passengers may have different expectations about what is acceptable, while staff have to manage competing needs in busy settings. How a campaign works in practice may affect whether people feel comfortable and safe during their journeys.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “‘We’ve lost a basic sense of politeness’: UK readers reveal daily reality of public transport”.