We Can Hear You NowAdvances in technology have led to ubiquitous gadget use, ranking cell phone users among the top etiquette offenders on public transportation. As you board a bus or train, it is appropriate to inform your conversational compadre that you now "have to go" and will "call back" upon reaching your destination. Short calls to coordinate logistics or update loved ones are within the rules of etiquette, as are calls to update co-workers that you will be late to work. However, for these quick calls it is essential to keep your volume in check. Mr. Bluetool, if your voice drowns out the music coming through my headphones, you're talking too loud. There's no privacy to your conversation just because we can only hear one side of it. Hearing every word you say is usually enough for us to piece together that you didn't get the job or that your significant other is spending another night in the doghouse. If your BFF needs advice about last night's drunken dalliance, it's more discreet to offer her text support. The painful truth: when you're on the phone, we're judging you and wish your call would drop.
Muni Manner: Keep cell phone use to a minimum when riding public transport. It's the safe and courteous thing to do.
13 comments:
I quietly rejoice when we go through the tunnel on the J-line and people's calls drop.
it's funny that there are still folks who don't get that they will lose signal in the tunnel. a few weeks back one lady sit there going "hellO? hello? hello? hello?" for like 2 minutes before she finally noticed that her phone had dropped the call. we got to the next station..she called back...started talking again..until..yup..dropped again..and another minute of hellos...
A few years ago I was seated behind someone who I thought was one of our local "colorful" people. He was talking away to himself, and since it did not sound like a conversation, I just assumed he was a transit crazy. It turned out to be a cell phone call - he had one of those little ear-piece phones, so nothing was readily visible.
I can not STAND people that talk on their cell phones on the bus! They typcially speak about 10 times louder than everyone else and of course, they are talking about very personal things too. Nobody else wants to hear that crap! Is it that important that the conversation take place now, versus waiting a few minutes until you exit the bus? Another HUGE pet peeve of mine, is when kids start playing music out loud directly from their cell phones- typically horrible music of course! Buy a damn Ipod if you want to listen to music. It is completely rude to force others around you to listen to your music!
Any suggestions as to how one might make a polite, non-threatening and most importantly motivational comment to said offenders that would encourage them to get off the phone? This happens every single day to me. Just my luck; I always end up with at least one loud person near me that feels the need to talk during our entire 1.5 hour bus commute. And they're all repeat offenders! It's not just a one-time 'I got a surprise call from my estranged cousin in (insert random city here) - type of situation. I shouldn't have to turn my ipod up full blast to block them out, but when it is up that high and I can STILL hear them chatting away, that's a definite problem. I've been dying to say something, but I'm just not sure what will fly, if anything. There's a big sign that says "No Eating No Drinking No Music", why can't they add something like 'For the comfort and consideration of others around you, please keep cell phone conversations under 5 minutes'. Come on people! HANG UP AND RIDE!
Some people just cannot abstain from speaking on their cellphones while on the move! I had to stand next to some loud people on their phones on several occasions while in the train.
I must admit I use a cell phone when on the bus, elevated train, or commuter train. I always am aware of the volume and content of the conversation, although at times my voice does rise a bit. People have politely asked me to tone down, and I have gratefully complied.
The same rules of etiquette for public transportation riders should be observed in any public space, i.e., sidewalks, restaurants, and sports stadiums. Talk quietly and discretely. Also, use a headpiece with a microphone directly over your mouth whenever possible.
Today I was next to a woman who was on the phone all the way from Castro to Forest Hill, as in deep, deep underground. How does that work? Has some cell phone company added antennas in the tunnel, like in the downtown part of the BART tunnel. She was actually pretty quiet so it wasn't an annoyance, but I was amazed her call didn't drop when we left Castro.
People have no sense of social etiquette whatsoever! The other day there were 3 people sitting directly behind the driver trying to out yell one another by screaming into their phones - each in a different language! The sound was just obnoxious! Why do these people have the right to ruin the trip for everyone else? We all pay the same amount to ride after all! I can see a short 2 - 3 minute call, but those are few and far between. Today, a woman in front of me was bound and determined to call every one in her phone book! She'd leave a loud message, and move on to the next. When I asked her to stop (after 5 calls), she said that this is the way the world is now. She couldn't do anything about it! How about see an exorcist to rid you of the invisible force causing you to make loud phone calls on Muni. One guy took up the entire back row of seats by stretching his legs out across three of the five seats. His butt was on the fourth,and he had his hand on the last one so he was reclining! He's yelling into his phone, looking at all who approached in a way that said, "I dare you to say anything about any part of my self-centered and rude behaviour!" I propose someone start a petition aimed at getting all but very limited cell phone use banned from Muni and cable cars. I'd do it - if I knew how!
I agree completely. Today, and a many times before, some bitch on the bus had the nerve to take an incoming call and talk too loud on the phone. I say incoming calls should NEVER be taken on the bus, unless you are absolutely expecting one, then put it on vibrate. And then there are the ones who talk for the entire ride despite another etiquette code to keep the conversation to a minimum. I wish an organization calls the "CaLCPU" or "Coalition against Loutish Cell Phone Users". I mean, please keep your outgoing calls less than one minute long if it's not an emergency and NO incoming calls at all. I leave mine silent on the bus for that reason alone.
It is possible to jam cell phones with a portable device, although it is illegal in the United States. Still, some people sell portable jammers.
The problem with the absolute statement that mobile use on trains is obnoxious is that it lumps in shouters with "normal" conversationalists. If someone keeps their mobile phone conversation to a normal level, is it any different than a regular conversation between two people actually on the bus/train? Or is it that you can't stand to only hear half of a conversation?
The issue isn't mobile phones: it's people shouting, whether on the phone or in person. It's just easier to blame a piece of technology.
"Limit cell phone usage" -- Gniett, gniet, gniett.
I agree with Emmett.
And, people, cell phones are here to stay, so get used to it.
Also, these jammers are forbidden by the FCC, and they are serious about that. If you get caught, it's the slammer.
Post a Comment