I have never seen this level of coughing without covering the mouth, loud conversations on speakerphone, TikTok video scrolling without headphones, feet on seats, standing near the doors without giving way, etc. anywhere else in the world.
In b4 “get used to it”, “wear noise cancelling headphones”, “it’s a you problem”, “part of living in a big city”, “where have you not seen this elsewhere because it’s just a fact everywhere” and other tragedy of the commons accepting copes.
I’ve lived in several major metros around the world, including in a developing country.
What’s weird is that everyone seems to agree, even though it isn’t against the rules, not to eat on public transit. I don’t even mind that really.
I’ve politely asked a few times that people turn the volume down on tinny speakers, and people have been graceful about it, but I’d like not to have to ask. There was even a person having a full on 30 minute phone conversation in the marked “quiet section” of the local library.
It’s to the point that I cannot ride on public transit without seeing multiple of these things. Every time.
So, my questions:
- Why is this seemingly unique to Melbourne?
- What can we do to try and stop it?
- Why do some people need to have a phone conversation all of the waking hours of the day?
It’s kinda driving me crazy.
Thanks
You’ve got 2 options. Try to change the world or try to change yourself. You either talk to these people and ask them not to do these things, or you accept that there will always be annoying people on public transport and find peace and acceptance.
I’ve spent most of my life in the first camp but am now realising all my policing hasn’t made any long term change.
There’s a third option.
The individual rarely has the power to charge society as a whole. They can, however, organize with others into a violent vigilante group and become a terror unto the uncovered coughers.
I believe in you and OP, you don’t have to take this lying down ✊
I don’t find it much of a bother, I’m not really bothered by the other people. e: I’ve been on 2AC trains in Bihar and those death bus trips through the Himalayas. My level of public transport trauma has been changed.
- Don’t find it unique, it’s prevalent in many cities. Melbourne CBD just has it to an excessive level.
- Tell them you don’t like it. Ask the parents to shut up their kids. Teach your own children to be more polite and respectful on public transport & in general.
- I wish I knew why. My daughter was on a 3 hour call organising outfits yesterday. At least she put the call on her headphones while we were in the market.
I think there is a fear of upsetting children so rarely parents are told that their children’s behaviour is disrespectful and disruptive. PT is for all not just the bogan’s.
It is really not unique to Melbourne.
Because culture of impunity.
Many people do what ever they want because they know that there will be no consequences. Why no consequences? Because the organisations/people we have entrusted to keep order and to keep us safe have become cowards.
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Thank you for a thoughtful and interesting reply.
The public health angle is interesting. I know noise pollution has a measurable negative effect on quality of life.
I bet making the signs bigger would actually have some effect in that it would socialise the message to control volume to the public in general.
I suppose I don’t mind quiet conversations taking place but when I can hear it from five rows down it grinds my gears.
Been better lately about getting up and moving when someone comes in and sits down making noise but I sometimes need to go two three cars to get away from that.
Anyway cheers
I’d tell you to get a car and drive yourself, but the entitlement on Melbourne roads is worse that what you describe on PT.
Get some decent self defence training (optional if you’re an 6±foot wall of muscle) and then go up to them and say “mate, nobody wants to hear your video. Put on some headphones or turn. it. off.” It probably won’t escalate to violence, though if they get aggressive, you want to be able to stare them down.
