Andy Burnham Launches Campaign Against Passengers Who Play Loud Music on Public Transport

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has launched a nationwide campaign targeting passengers who play music and videos loudly on public transport without using headphones, warning that inconsiderate behaviour can make journeys uncomfortable for other commuters.

The campaign, announced on Monday, October 19, encourages passengers to use headphones and respect others travelling on buses and trains. It carries the slogan “Share the carriage, not the noise” and forms part of a wider government effort to tackle antisocial behaviour on public transport, including vaping and littering.

Under the new guidance, local transport authorities are being encouraged to introduce fines of up to £100 for bus passengers who refuse to stop disruptive behaviour when asked. The powers were provided under the Bus Services Act, which allows local authorities to establish and enforce rules for conduct on their bus networks.

The enforcement will be handled by specialist transport safety officers or police officers rather than bus drivers. Meanwhile, train operating companies already have the authority to impose fines of up to £1,000 for similar behaviour. The government is also planning a public awareness campaign using posters to remind passengers to keep their music, videos and phone conversations from disturbing others.

Burnham said many passengers had experienced the frustration of sharing a train carriage with someone playing loud music or videos through a phone speaker. He argued that small changes in behaviour could make public transport more pleasant for everyone.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander also backed the initiative, saying inconsiderate actions such as playing loud audio, vaping and littering could spoil journeys for other passengers. The government believes clearer rules and stronger enforcement could help improve the experience of travelling on public transport.

The proposals have received support from transport campaigners who argue that antisocial behaviour can discourage people from using buses and trains. Ben Plowden, chief executive of the Campaign for Better Transport, said the new powers could help passengers feel more comfortable if they were properly and visibly enforced. Polling has also indicated public support for penalties against people who play music aloud on public transport.

However, the measures have attracted criticism from transport workers’ unions. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham described the proposals as well-intentioned but inadequate, arguing that they do not address the wider problems of abuse and violence faced by bus workers.

The campaign adds to growing efforts by UK politicians to tackle nuisance behaviour on public transport. Its success will depend not only on the fines available but also on consistent enforcement and whether passengers change their behaviour.

For now, the government’s message is straightforward: commuters should use headphones, keep noise to themselves and respect the people sharing their journey.