London targets noisy commuters with headphone campaign

Transport for London (TfL) has launched a new poster campaign to encourage passengers to use headphones when listening to audio on their devices while commuting. The campaign aims to address the issue of noisy commuters who subject others to music and calls blasting out of their phones, which has become more prevalent as data coverage has improved across the underground rail network, making it easier for passengers to stream content and make calls on the go. The "Headphones On" posters are being displayed on the Elizabeth rail line and will expand to other public transport services, including buses, Docklands Light Railway, London Overground, London Underground, and London Tram, starting in October. TfL's research shows that 70 percent of 1,000 surveyed customers reported loud music and phone calls as a disturbance to their journeys. London's deputy transport mayor, Seb Dance, has stated that while the vast majority of Londoners use headphones when traveling on public transport, the small minority who play music or videos out loud can be a real nuisance to other passengers. The new campaign aims to remind and encourage Londoners to be considerate of other passengers.