Jess Body
of Scarborough writes that TTC regulations prohibit playing loud
music, “But on almost every bus today you will find someone
blaring music into his/her ear. It is so loud that it annoys
anyone nearby. The drivers don't take note.
“Apart from
being a nuisance, these guys will go deaf in due time and become
a burden on the health-care system.”
With
technology advancing rapidly, more people can be seen hooked up
to some kind of music, video or communication device. Most
riders listen to their favourite songs unobtrusively, but
occasionally noise leaks from ear or headphones.
GO
Transit’s recent passenger newsletter features an article called
“Courteous Commuter”, which describes the following test to
determine if volume is set too high. It advises, “For music
listeners, try holding your earphones in your hands -- if you
can hear the music, so can those around you.”
Whether or
not we include the noise from loud cell phone conversations, it
may be time to launch a widespread campaign and inspire riders
to consider others’ wish for quiet.
How would
such an effort work? The recent TTC campaign around escalator
safety and etiquette -- called “Move with the Grooves” -- is a
good example. Together with the agency responsible for
regulating elevating devices, the transit commission has put up
posters listing safety and courtesy tips.
While
escalator mishaps may be rare, the devices are heavily used. The
TTC has more moving stairways than any other entity in the
country. Because it owns a greater number of escalators than it
does streetcars, the transit system has started to view them as
public transit "vehicles" in their own right.
One
component of the campaign includes reminding us to “Stand Right”
on escalators. To catch the attention of more patrons, I would
suggest that posters be placed along the escalators themselves,
each with one slogan or tip.
The
escalator campaign is a model of how a transit service can
partner with an outside organization -- a model that could be
used for other issues. What’s to stop a hearing-related charity
joining with one or more GTA transit agencies, and rolling out a
comprehensive advertising campaign?
Perhaps
with additional funds from the makers of the wildly popular iPod
or its competitors, an effective message could be devised to
help music listeners avoid damaging their hearing or annoying
nearby passengers.
What other
transit etiquette issues could be promoted this way? More than
just posters could be used -- courtesy campaigns might play well
on the TV monitors above many subway platforms. How about short
video clips, starring recognizable Torontonians as they
demonstrate common courtesy? Just imagine well produced videos,
directed by local film and video artists. Perhaps we could ask
hockey player Tie Domi to demonstrate how not to block subway
doors, for example.
What else
-- cellphone racket aboard buses or the GO train? Littering on
the subway? There are lots of partnership possibilities that
could benefit riders.
|