Should phones be banned from public transport?

Readers discuss the solution to commuters listening to music out loud, using speakerphone in public, and if stripteasers are contributing to misogyny (Picture: Getty Images) Do you agree with our readers? Have your say on these MetroTalk topics and more in the comments Reader says the 'normalisation of commodified sex contributes to violence against women' I wonder if anyone noticed the juxtaposition of the front page article about the AI tool Grok sexualising women’s images and the promotion of the interview with striptease artist Dita von Teese (Metro, Wed)? Von Teese is as much a sex worker as anyone selling the complete use of their body and as such is also responsible for promoting the unhealthy sexualisation of women, not to mention the commodification of their bodies. No doubt she would argue that this is somehow ‘empowering’ but, far from making life more equal for the majority of women, it merely adds to their objectification. In a climate where misogyny is rife, Von Teese feeds into the feeling many men have that women tantalise but never ‘deliver’ – however much she dresses it up in Swarovski crystals. Such normalisation of commodified sex contributes to violence against women. Charlotte Kasner, Chiswick Others listening to music out loud on the train can contribute to sensory load, reader says This reader says it’s important to consider autistic commuters in the discussion (Picture: Getty Images) I would ask those who listen to their phone without headphones (MetroTalk, Thu) to spare a thought for autistic travellers like myself. For autistic people, hearing somebody else’s music or videos playing out loud is more than just annoying – it significantly increases the sensory load in an environment which, for some, may already be overwhelming. It contributes to sensory overload, fatigue and burnout, which has a debilitating impact on our lives. Travelling on public transport was never an issue for me when I was young, before smartphones were invented. Now it has become such an ordeal that I routinely have to wear ear defenders. This is more than just showing consideration for others. For us, this is an access need just as important as, say, providing a ramp for a wheelchair user. Dr Murray Tremellen, York This reader thinks phones should be banned from public transport Phones should simply be banned from public transport. On my journey this week, there was one man at the back of the bus shouting very loudly into his phone. After his call, someone rang him back and the conversation became full of offensive, obscene language. People like this should be escorted off the bus. I know it is difficult for the driver to deal with these incidents alone but there should be some contingency measures for badly behaved passengers. It not only creates a bad atmosphere but disturbs the peace of the other passengers.
Mrs P Isaac, via email Bus driver weighs in on phone debate I am a bus driver of almost 30 years and this latest – and most ignorant, in my view – fad of listening to phone calls/music/podcasts through a loud speaker when on public transport is most annoying. If I hear a mobile phone on loud speaker as they board my vehicle, I politely ask them to turn it down (never off), which is usually met with an apology or smile as they do so. Similarly, if I hear a loud speaker when the bus is in motion, I have no problem in speaking loud enough (for the protagonist to hear) as I ask them to turn it down, again, something which is normally done. What the majority of passengers do not know is, upon purchasing a ticket or showing a travel pass, they are entering into an implied contract with the transport provider – one of the conditions being that they do not cause a nuisance to fellow travellers. Should gig-goers be allowed to stand up out of their seats? Readers discuss Readers debate transport etiquette: Is it okay to listen to music out loud? Is Trump's invasion of Venezuela really about 'restoring democracy'? Readers discuss As my requests are always polite and professional, I have yet to meet anyone who has taken umbrage and refused. If that were ever the case, they would simply not be allowed to travel.
 Mr Norris, Gateshead This reader says loud speaker should be banned, too (Picture: Gijsbert Hanekroot/Redferns) Sometimes if I’m on a bus or train and these ignorant morons are shouting into their phones or have their speaker phone on or worse still are listening to some ‘modern’ rubbish music that no one in their right mind would want to listen to,
I put my book down, put my own phone on and give them a rendition of Radar Love by Dutch rockers Golden Earring. If I have slightly older commuters in my vicinity, I go easy on them and play, I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing by The New Seekers. It really is a case of if you can’t beat them, join them. Martin Lawrence, Croydon Arrow MORE: Dunelm’s best warming essentials to keep your home cosy without turning on the heating Arrow MORE: Russian shadow fleet vessel enters English Channel as tensions mount Arrow MORE: Trump proposes ‘ski resort for Israeli-occupied Syria’ to bring peace Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source Puzzles Newsletter Get your favourite puzzles when they are ready to play on the website sent directly to you every day and track your daily streak!

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