'I just want a peaceful ride home': Leeds commuters react to new bus plans
‘It’s really intrusive’: commuters in Leeds react to crackdown on loud music on buses
Regular users of Leeds’ bus services have described loud music on public transport as “annoying” and “intrusive” following new government plans to fine ‘headphone dodgers’ up to £100.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham set out plans at a press conference on Monday morning, urging passengers to “share the carriage, not the noise.”
Local authorities were issued new guidance this week, and the plans will also aim to tackle other forms of antisocial behaviour such as littering and vaping.
For those who use services across Leeds every day, loud noise has been a more frequent feature on their journey home.
Anushka Barrett, who uses Leeds’ bus network every day, told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “Not everyone has noise-cancelling headphones.
“It’s annoying, I just want to get home…a peaceful ride home.”
When asked if she thought a fine would be effective, Anushka said: “I think so, if there’s a consequence I think people will maybe stop. I’m not saying it needs to be quiet, but it would be nice if people were not blaring their music.”
Lee Davies, another regular user, added: “I get it if it’s people entertaining children, but when it tends to be groups of teenagers, and they’re just playing repetitive TikToks, it gets a bit much.”
Lee also agreed that a fine would be appropriate, saying: “I think if they were asked to turn it down and refused, then maybe, but in extreme cases yes.”
There are already rules in place to combat antisocial behaviour on public transport, however it’s hoped that the introduction of a potential fine will act as a stronger deterrent.
Some passengers have described a fine as “too far.”
Halen Wood said: “In my opinion it depends how loud, if it’s blasting and you can hear it from a mile away, then yeah, but if it’s in the distance I don’t typically mind.”
Passengers will be able to report behaviour to bus staff directly or via the British Transport Police, Chris McDonald, Minister for Science, Research and Innovation told BBC Breakfast on Monday morning.
The guidance says that fines will be enforced by specialist safety officers rather than bus drivers.