London declares war on 'loud commuters': new TfL campaign urges headphones on
Transport for London (TfL) has launched a new social campaign in London aimed at those who find a tube carriage or bus a suitable place for a personal concert. It is about so-called "headphone dodgers" - passengers who persistently listen to music and watch videos without headphones, generously sharing it with others.
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The reason is simple: with the expansion of 4G and 5G coverage on the underground and Elizabeth line, it's more convenient to stream content and make calls while travelling. A journey on the underground becomes a mobile office, dance floor or cinema. But along with the rise in internet speeds, annoyance levels have also risen. According to TfL, 70 per cent of passengers complain that loud music and calls spoil journeys.
To combat this, 'Headphones On' posters have started appearing in stations and carriages. In the autumn they will be placed all over transport, from buses and trams to the Docklands Light Railway and Overground.
The poster reminding all passengers of the importance of respecting those around them. Illustration: TfL
Deputy Mayor for Transport Seb Dance notes: "Most people use headphones anyway, but a small group of offenders can ruin a journey for hundreds of passengers. This campaign should remind everyone of the importance of respecting others."
It's worth noting that TfL already has rules against listening to music without permission. Sometimes this ends in fines - in 2023, for example, one "street DJ" on the Jubilee line paid £300 for his set.
TfL, on the other hand, relies on a culture of behaviour rather than penalties. Put simply - "put your headphones on, save humanity".
Source: The Guardian
