A commuter has taken to social media to urge Singaporeans to stand up against people who play loud music or videos on the MRT, suggesting that this di
A commuter has taken to social media to urge Singaporeans to stand up against people who play loud music or videos on the MRT, suggesting that this disruptive behaviour should no longer be tolerated in public spaces. Sharing his experience on the r/SMRTRabak Reddit forum on January 18, the commuter explained how directly addressing the issue can lead to positive outcomes.
He recounted an incident on the Downtown Line, where an elderly man was playing loud videos with jarring laughter tracks. Normally, the commuter would ignore such disturbances, as they are often brief, but on this occasion, he decided to speak up. “I told the uncle, ‘How would you like it if someone played videos when you are trying to sleep or relax after a long day of work?’” he shared. To his surprise, the man was initially shocked but eventually reduced the volume and listened privately through his earphones.
The commuter expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting that it’s important to address these situations politely and directly. He emphasised that the tone used is crucial, and when people respond positively, they should be thanked for their consideration. “We should speak up more and not just ignore it,” he said, adding that it’s important to do it for oneself and the broader community.
In the comments, many Reddit users shared similar experiences and reactions. One user mentioned using a subtle approach, asking, “You have an earpiece?” while mimicking the motion of plugging one’s ears, which often leads to a positive change in behaviour. Another user pointed out that most people don’t realise the impact of their loud music or videos, and simply letting them know can help make a difference.
However, some shared less positive encounters. One person recalled a situation when, during National Service, he tried to address an elderly man playing loud Chinese music on a bus at 5:30 a.m. Despite the man’s rude reaction, the commuter felt that speaking up was necessary, though he wished others had also stepped in.
The issue of noise pollution on public transport has been widely discussed online, and some bus services have responded by placing “keep volume low” stickers inside their vehicles to remind passengers of the impact of noise.
COMMENTS