Shhhh! UK train operator calls in librarians to hush noisy tech
With tech-related noise becoming an increasingly common frustration for railway passengers, a UK train operator has restored calm by enlisting the ultimate experts in shushing – a team of librarians.
In a video released for National Quiet Day (14 September), West Midlands Railway (WMR) enlists three librarians to quieten a noisy train carriage.
Teaming up with a WMR train guard, the librarians tackle common tech habits in a bid to remind passengers that volume levels should be kept low on devices while on board.
The film highlights four of the top noise complaints, which include:
- Taking calls on loudspeaker
- Listening to music on max volume
- Scrolling through TikTok or Instagram reels out loud
- Playing video games with the sound on
Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director at WMR, said: “One of the fantastic things about travelling by train is you’re free to wind down, relax and do something you enjoy – whether that’s reading a book, watching a video or listening to music.
“While most of our customers show the correct carriage etiquette, this campaign reinforces the importance of being mindful of fellow passengers and keeping volume to a suitable level.
“We have a senior conductor on board our trains to help deal with antisocial behaviour but we are asking our customers to take responsibility for their actions. Remember – you don’t want to make us send in the librarians.”
To watch the video, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X580YQ4JWMQ.