‘I hate it’: Manchester commuters back ban out-loud music on public transport

TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:

"Manchester Commuters Divided Over Proposed Ban on Loud Music in Public Transport"

‘I hate it’: Manchester commuters back ban out-loud music on public transport analysis cover image The Guardian 7.4
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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/apr/25/manchester-commuters-lib-dem-ban-out-loud-music-public-transport
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AI Analysis Average Score: 7.4
These scores (0-10 scale) are generated by Truthlens AI's analysis, assessing the article's objectivity, accuracy, and transparency. Higher scores indicate better alignment with journalistic standards. Hover over chart points for metric details.

TruthLens AI Summary

Commuters in Manchester have expressed strong opinions regarding the proposed ban on playing music and TV shows out loud on public transport, a measure introduced by the Liberal Democrats. Many individuals, including Ross Kenyon, a 45-year-old trader, have voiced their frustrations over what they perceive as antisocial behavior during their daily commutes. Kenyon, who refuses to take the tram due to the loud music and vaping habits of fellow passengers, remarked that the lack of consideration for others has made public transport increasingly unpleasant. He highlighted that while he enjoys music, it should not disrupt the experience of others, especially during peak times such as Friday and Saturday nights. The proposed legislation aims to impose a maximum fine of £1,000 for those who violate the ban, reflecting a growing desire for a more respectful public transportation environment.

Furthermore, reactions to the proposal have been mixed among commuters. While some, like Reena, a 41-year-old journalist and mother, echoed Kenyon's sentiments about loud music being inconsiderate, others, like Jessie Were, a 28-year-old council worker, found the issue trivial. Jessie noted that he sometimes enjoys music on his commute and believes the Liberal Democrats should prioritize more pressing issues such as homelessness and crime. Similarly, Kayes Syed, a 48-year-old lawyer, expressed that he does not mind music on public transport and finds it uplifting. The divergent opinions highlight a broader conversation about public spaces and the balance between individual enjoyment and communal respect. The proposed amendments to the bus services bill are currently being discussed in parliament, but their implementation would only affect England, given the devolved nature of transport policy in the UK.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The article highlights the growing discontent among Manchester commuters regarding loud music and antisocial behavior on public transport. It captures the sentiments of individuals who are frustrated with their daily travel experiences, particularly due to people playing music loudly or vaping. The proposed ban on playing music and shows out loud on public transport by the Liberal Democrats has sparked positive reactions from many commuters, indicating a desire for a more respectful and peaceful travel environment.

Public Sentiment and Community Response

The article reflects a significant public sentiment against loud music on public transport, with many commuters expressing their annoyance. Commuters like Ross Kenyon and Reena have shared their frustrations, emphasizing the need for consideration in shared spaces. This collective discontent suggests a larger cultural expectation for civility in public environments. The proposal for a ban aligns with the voices of those who feel their commuting experience is negatively affected by loud music and other disruptive behaviors.

Possible Hidden Agendas

While the article primarily addresses commuter frustrations, it may also serve a political purpose by highlighting the Liberal Democrats' proposal. This could potentially be an attempt to gain favor among constituents who are seeking a more civilized public transport experience. By focusing on this issue, the article may divert attention from other pressing political matters, creating a narrative that resonates with everyday concerns.

Manipulative Aspects

The way the article frames the issue suggests an underlying desire to portray those who play loud music as inconsiderate and antisocial, which could be seen as a form of social scapegoating. By emphasizing the discomfort of commuters, it may inadvertently alienate younger individuals who might view music as a form of self-expression. This dichotomy creates a narrative that could polarize opinions on a generational basis.

Authenticity and Reliability

The reliability of the article is bolstered by direct quotes from commuters, lending authenticity to the expressed sentiments. However, the focus on a specific negative experience may overlook the broader diversity of commuter experiences, including those who may enjoy music as part of their travel. Thus, while the article captures a genuine issue, it may not fully represent the varied perspectives within the commuting population.

Implications for Society

The proposed ban on loud music could lead to changes in public behavior and norms. If implemented, it may result in a more peaceful commuting atmosphere, but it could also raise questions about personal freedoms and the boundaries of public behavior. Economically, it could impact businesses that rely on public transport for customer access, particularly entertainment venues that attract a younger crowd.

Target Audience

This article resonates more with families, older adults, and professionals who prioritize a quieter commuting experience. It seems to cater specifically to those who feel marginalized by the loud behaviors of younger individuals, aiming to garner support from those who share similar frustrations.

Broader Market Impact

While the article itself may not have a direct impact on stock markets or global economies, it highlights societal trends that could influence public policy and urban planning. Companies involved in public transport, urban development, and social services might need to adapt to changing public expectations as a result of such discussions.

Global Context

The issue of noise pollution and public behavior is a common theme in urban areas worldwide. It reflects a broader societal challenge of balancing personal freedom with communal responsibility, which is increasingly relevant in today's discourse on urban living.

Use of AI in Article Composition

It is possible that AI tools were employed in crafting the article to analyze public sentiment or structure the narrative. However, the specific emotional tone and personal anecdotes suggest a human touch, making it less likely that AI played a significant role in the writing process. If AI was used, it might have helped in organizing the article or generating initial drafts, but the final product reflects a more nuanced understanding of public sentiment.

Trustworthiness Assessment

Overall, while the article effectively conveys a significant commuter concern and presents a proposed solution, its framing could lead to a sense of division among different demographic groups. This could hinder a comprehensive understanding of the issue at hand. The authenticity of commuter voices lends credibility, but the potential for manipulation through selective emphasis on certain perspectives should be considered.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/apr/25/manchester-commuters-lib-dem-ban-out-loud-music-public-transport

“Dread” might not be the first word Mancunians reach for to describe their daily commute, but for Ross Kenyon, 45, reluctantly waiting at a tram stop on a cloudy morning in centralManchester, it’s the feeling clawing at his body.

Why? He hates the tram. So much so, he refuses to take it to work, preferring a half-hour walk to his office instead. He says the the buses are even worse. He avoids them completely.

The reason, he says, is antisocial behaviour. He’s become increasingly bothered by people playing music out loud or vaping on public transport.

“You get on the trains or trams, especially on a Friday or Saturday night, and there are people with the speakers and music and it’s just impolite … It just aggravates me,” said Kenyon, who works in trading. “I go to Dubai quite a lot and everything’s all nice. But here, it’s like there’s no rules any more. It’s not that I’m the fun police. I just find it annoying.”

Music to his ears, however, was the news that the Liberal Democrats are proposing toban playing musicand TV shows out loud on public transport.

Under the plansannounced on Wednesday, people booming out their favourite tunes or shows from their phone on public transport, or while at stations or bus stops, could face a maximum fine of £1,000.

Reena, 41, a journalist sitting on a tram heading out of the centre towards the city’s media hub, shared Kenyon’s disdain for loudspeakers.

“I hate it. I think it’s really unsociable,” she said. “I have less tolerance for it now that I’ve got kids … I do understand when you’re young and you want to listen to music together, but I just don’t think it should be when there’s lots of other people, especially if I’m with my kids and they’re having a nap or something. It’s unnecessarily loud.”

For Sarah Hastings, a music teacher in her 50s, it was not playing music out loud that was the problem but the lyrics.

“If it’s just background music, mood music, whatever, that’s not going to offend anybody. It’s not the music. It’s the words. Sometimes there are young kids around and it’s loud and it’s language that they could do without hearing,” she said.

To implement the ban, theLiberal Democratsare proposing amendments to the bus services bill, which is going through parliament. As transport policy is devolved, the move would only apply to England.

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Jessie Were, 28, who works for the local council, described his commute into the centre as relatively quiet. On the occasion he does hear music on a tram or a bus, it doesn’t bother him.

“Sometimes I like music. If it’s a song I like, I vibe with it,” he said. “I think they [the Liberal Democrats] should have other things to focus on. Music on buses and trams. It’s really a non-issue.”

He was not the only one who felt at odds with the proposal. Kayes Syed, 48, a lawyer, said: “I don’t have a problem with it. It’s not rude. It’s quite nice, actually. I’m a bit grumpy in the morning, so things like that just cheer me up. I’d rather them [the Liberal Democrats] focus on homelessness, drug abuse or crime rather than playing music.”

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Source: The Guardian