Passengers playing loud music on buses and trains could soon face fines of up to £100 as part of a government initiative aimed at curbing antisocial behaviour on public transport. The new measures seek to address issues such as loud music, vaping, littering, and threatening conduct to improve the overall travel experience.

This campaign encourages passengers to "share the carriage, not the noise," with the government urging local authorities to use these enhanced powers to enforce a quieter and cleaner environment. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasized the impact of such behaviour, stating that even minor changes could significantly enhance passengers’ journeys.

Under the new rules, enforcement will not fall to bus drivers but will instead be the responsibility of transport safety officers and the police. Additional efforts include a public awareness campaign warning train passengers that noncompliance with noise regulations could result in fines of up to £1,000.

The crackdown has drawn mixed responses from political figures. Richard Holden, the shadow transport secretary for the Conservative Party, welcomed the move, noting that the opposition had previously highlighted passenger concerns about loud music on public transport. He acknowledged that ministers are now addressing these everyday issues that affect commuters.

However, Holden also called for the government to place greater emphasis on tackling more severe problems, such as the rise in aggressive behaviour and assaults against transport staff. He pointed out that under the Labour administration, assaults on rail employees have increased by 68%, while prosecutions related to such incidents have declined, suggesting a need for stronger measures to protect frontline workers.

The government’s latest initiative seeks to strike a balance between improving passenger comfort and enhancing safety on public transport, responding to growing public calls for a more respectful and secure travel environment.