On trains and buses, Andy Burnham launches campaign against headphone dodgers and disruptive behaviour on public transport

Campaign targets noisy journeys

The campaign will encourage passengers to use headphones, avoid speakerphone calls and watch videos quietly. Its slogan is “share the carriage, not the noise”. Burnham said the effort would remind train passengers to wear headphones. He also announced new powers for local leaders to address loud music, vaping and littering on buses.

Guidance and enforcement plans

Ministers will issue guidance to local transport authorities on using powers under the Bus Services Act. The law allows authorities to set and enforce their own onboard rules.

Officials said drivers would not be responsible for enforcing those rules. Transport safety officers or police officers would handle enforcement. Train operators already can issue fines of up to £1,000 for similar behaviour.

Public backing and criticism

A YouGov poll found voters supported £1,000 fines for people playing music aloud on buses and trains. A separate survey found speakerphone conversations were among voters’ three leading irritants.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said the proposals were well-meaning but inadequate to address the challenges and violence bus workers face. She said the proposed penalties would not resolve workers’ problems.

Other efforts on transit behaviour

London mayor Sadiq Khan introduced a “travel kind” campaign in the summer, including a call for passengers to wear headphones. The Liberal Democrats have urged £1,000 fines for bus passengers, matching those available on trains. The article says about 60% of voters back action against people playing videos or music aloud in public spaces.