New BVG announcements discourage passengers from playing phone music out loud

Berlin public transport operator the BVG has introduced bus announcements that remind passengers to keep noise from their mobile phones, such as calls and TikTok videos, to a minimum.

New BVG announcement discourages noisy phones

Are you the person on public transport who scrolls through loud TikTok reels without using headphones, or the person who sits opposite them looking on passive aggressively?

If you find yourself in the latter camp, you’ll be pleased to know that a new BVG policy can liberate you from wondering whether to try on your Germaness by asking them to keep it down.

Speaking to Berlin public broadcaster rbb, a BVG spokesperson said that an increasing number of passengers found loud videos and phone calls disruptive.

The local transport operator has launched a new announcement on buses, reminding passengers to “Please mind others and keep your music, TikToks and phone calls in your ears instead of playing them through your loudspeaker.”

Warning against noisy phones will be rolled out BVG-wide

In an effort to cultivate harmony on public transport in Berlin, from late December the association will also roll out announcements across U-Bahn stations, U-Bahn trains and tram services.

Buses, U-Bahns and trams in Berlin have long had other announcements, reminding passengers that another person may need their seat more urgently or to “hold on tight during the ride”.

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