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Public Transit Commute: Music Ban Proposed Amidst Mixed Reactions in Manchester
For some Manchester residents, the daily commute can be a source of frustration. While “dread” might be a strong word, it encapsulates the feelings of Ross Kenyon, 45, regarding Manchester’s public transportation. Waiting at a tram stop one gloomy morning in central Manchester, he expressed his dislike for the tram, preferring a 30-minute walk to avoid it entirely, citing concerns over antisocial behavior and the disruption caused by loud music. The Liberal Democrats’ proposal to ban playing music or TV shows aloud on public transportation could alleviate these public transit commute concerns.
Fighting the Noise: A Commuter’s Perspective
Kenyon avoids buses entirely, due to similar issues. He is particularly troubled by the increasing prevalence of individuals playing music audibly or vaping on public transit.
“You get on the trains or trams, especially on a Friday or Saturday night, and there are people with the speakers and music and it’s just impolite… It just aggravates me,” Kenyon stated. He contrasts this with his experiences abroad: “I go to Dubai quite a lot and everything’s all nice. But here, it’s like there’s no rules any more. It’s not that I’m the fun police. I just find it annoying.”
The Potential Fine for Loud Music
The Liberal Democrats’ proposal entails amendments to the bus services bill, potentially leading to a maximum fine of £1,000 for individuals playing music or shows aloud on their phones while using public transport, or at stations or bus stops. Due to transport policy being devolved, these measures would only affect England.
Support for the Ban: A Quieter Commute?
Reena, 41, a journalist, echoed Kenyon’s aversion to loudspeakers. She explained how it affects her during her public transit commute.
“I hate it. I think it’s really unsociable,” she said. “I have less tolerance for it now that I’ve got kids… I do understand when you’re young and you want to listen to music together, but I just don’t think it should be when there’s lots of other people, especially if I’m with my kids and they’re having a nap or something. It’s unnecessarily loud.”
The Contentious Issue of Lyrics
Sarah Hastings, a music teacher in her 50s, finds the lyrical content of music to be more problematic than the music itself.
“If it’s just background music, mood music, whatever, that’s not going to offend anybody. It’s not the music. It’s the words. Sometimes there are young kids around and it’s loud and it’s language that they could do without hearing,” she noted.
Dissenting Voices: Is it Really a Problem?
Jessie Were, 28, who is employed by the local council, describes his commute as generally peaceful. He is unbothered on the occasions when he encounters music on a tram or bus.
“Sometimes I like music. If it’s a song I like, I vibe with it,” he stated. “I think they [the Liberal Democrats] should have other things to focus on. Music on buses and trams. It’s really a non-issue.”
Prioritizing Other Issues?
Kayes Syed, 48, a lawyer, shares a similar viewpoint. He said, “I don’t have a problem with it. It’s not rude. It’s quite nice, actually. I’m a bit grumpy in the morning, so things like that just cheer me up. I’d rather them [the Liberal Democrats] focus on homelessness, drug abuse or crime rather than playing music.”