Transport for London is targeting passengers who play music and make calls using mobile phone loudspeakers, calling the behaviour a nuisance that can cause stress for others. Research of 1,000 passengers found 70% said films, music and calls on loudspeakers were a nuisance. Posters urging passengers to use headphones or hands-free kits will appear on the Elizabeth line immediately and across other services from the autumn, backed by Instagram posts. Customers will be asked to look up from screens in case someone needs a seat. Loudspeaker noise can be especially acute for people with heightened sensitivity such as autism. Expansion of 4G/5G coverage on the Tube is believed to have increased device use, with further coverage work planned at major interchanges and additional line sections by year-end.
TfL said most bus and Tube travellers considered such behaviour "a nuisance" and that some even found the additional noise very stressful. Posters urging passengers to use headphones or hands-free kits with their device will appear on the Elizabeth line from today and across other services from the autumn. It will be accompanied by Instagram posts. Customers will also be asked to look up from their screens on public transport in case someone else needs their seat more.
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.
It is believed the use of mobiles and other devices has increased on the Tube, as large sections of the network across central London now have 4G or 5G coverage. Work is under way to expand coverage to major interchange stations such as Green Park and King's Cross St Pancras, and further sections of the Northern, Piccadilly, Jubilee and Victoria lines by the end of the year, TfL said.
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