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The UK government is introducing new measures aimed at curbing antisocial behaviour on public buses in England, including the potential for passengers to be fined up to £100 for playing loud music. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to improve the experience of public transport users by addressing issues such as littering, vaping, and threatening behaviour. Local authorities will have new powers to impose fines on bus passengers who break these rules.
In addition to bus regulations, a nationwide campaign is being launched to encourage rail passengers to “share the carriage, not the noise.” This move is intended to create a consistent message across the rail network and replace the current inconsistent approaches taken by different train operators. The campaign will use operator websites, social media platforms, and in-carriage displays to reinforce this message.
Government officials have emphasized that bus drivers will not be responsible for enforcing the new rules; instead, designated authorised officers, including Transport Safety Officers and the Police, will handle complaints. Existing powers already allow authorities to remove individuals from trains or fine them up to £1,000 if they refuse to stop disruptive behaviour. The widespread dislike of playing loud audio on public transport has been documented in recent surveys conducted by Ofcom, YouGov, and Transport for London, with many passengers reporting that such conduct quickly ruins their journeys.
Responses from various transport groups highlight both support and skepticism regarding the effectiveness of these measures. Maryam Eslamdoust, general secretary of the TSSA transport union, welcomed the crackdown on antisocial behaviour but stressed the need to also address violence, threats, and abuse against passengers and staff, calling for increased funding for the British Transport Police. Similarly, campaigner Michael Solomon Williams expressed concerns about enforcement, particularly on buses where British Transport Police are less commonly involved. Critics such as Shadow Transport Secretary Richard Holden and Liberal Democrat spokesperson Olly Glover pointed out the importance of adequate enforcement resources, warning that without funding for on-the-ground safety officers, the new rules may be ineffective. Meanwhile, the independent watchdog Transport Focus highlighted research showing that concerns about personal safety and antisocial behaviour significantly affect passengers’ confidence in using public transport
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