UK readers reveal daily reality of public transport: lost basic sense of politeness amid nuisance behaviour
Everyday breaches of courtesy
A London commuter says loud videos played on phones are a common problem on the tube. They also point to passengers leaning on poles, occupying seats with bags and spreading out in ways that leave less room for others.
The commuter says these behaviours are not among the worst they encounter, but they find them saddening. They question what has changed in the shared expectations that guide behaviour in public.
Different ideas of decency
John, 43, from Sheffield, says he is tired of having to challenge people over their conduct. He believes people of different ages can lack consideration in public places.
John recounts confronting a teenager watching TikTok videos aloud. The teenager asked, “If you were watching Netflix on your phone, wouldn’t you have the volume on?” John says the exchange showed that people differ over what is appropriate.
Disruption on trains
A football fan says groups of supporters can make train journeys difficult for other passengers. They recall a group drinking, singing offensive songs and banging on the ceiling of a two-carriage train, despite children being aboard.
The fan says there were no police or staff on the train, and people waiting at the station could not intervene until it arrived. Burnham’s campaign targets nuisance behaviour such as loud music, but the article raises questions about whether a crackdown will work, comparing it with the law against hogging the motorway’s middle lane.
Key points
- Andy Burnham announced a campaign targeting nuisance behaviour on public transport.
- A London commuter says loud videos on phones are a common problem on the tube.
- John, 43, says passengers disagree about what counts as appropriate public behaviour.
- A football fan describes disruptive supporters on a two-carriage train with no police or staff aboard.