TfL calls out passengers who play loud music through speakers
Transport for London (TfL) has launched a new poster campaign encouraging people to be more considerate and use headphones instead of playing content on their device’s speakers.
It said that while the vast majority of commuters on London’s public transport network use headphones when listening to content or taking a call, some Londoners disrupt others by playing audio through their phone’s speakers.
According to a survey of 1,000 customers conducted by TfL, 70% of Londoners using public transport find loud music and phone conversations without headphones disruptive.
This sort of behaviour can be particularly disruptive to those with conditions that heighten noise sensitivity, including autism.
Posters advocating the new campaign are now placed on the Elizabeth Line, and will be rolled out to DLR, London Overground, London Underground, and tram services from October.
TfL is also encouraging travellers to continue to look up from their screens to stay aware of their fellow passengers and potentially offer a seat to someone who might need it.
“The vast majority of Londoners use headphones when travelling on public transport in the capital, but the small minority who play music or videos out loud can be a real nuisance to other passengers and directly disturb their journeys,” said Deputy Mayor for Transport Seb Dance.
“TfL’s new campaign will remind and encourage Londoners to always be considerate of other passengers.”
TfL also highlighted that large sections of the London Underground network now have 4G and 5G coverage, providing more opportunities for passengers to stay connected and access online content while travelling.
“We want everyone to have a pleasant and comfortable journey on our services. Better mobile coverage on our network means we’re more connected than ever, and while that means we can stream music and shows and make calls on the go, we must be considerate of others,” said TfL Customer Director Emma Strain.
“Most people use headphones, but even just a small number of people not doing so can create an unpleasant or even stressful environment for others, with the majority of customers we asked agreeing that this is disruptive behaviour,” she said.
“That’s why we’re reminding people to put their headphones on if they don’t already, to give others the stress-free journey they’d expect for themselves.”
