To wonder if it's rude to talk constantly on a phone on a long public transport journey?

[SpeedbirdSquawker]

The man behind me has been talking on his phone for 40 minutes now. Not quiet but not overly loud neither. I'm ready to twat him but then I don't generally like people. Aibu to think phone calls on public transport should be kept to an absolute minimum?

As long as they’re not using the speaker I think it’s fine, though annoying.

I was on a 3 hour train journey a few weeks ago and a family nearby spent the majority of the journey loudly FaceTiming different people every 15 minutes. Someone else nearby spent most of the journey watching TikToks without headphones. I was murderous by the end of the journey and firmly believe music/conversations on speaker should be banned on public transport. If everyone did it it would be unbearable.

Yes but why the whole hour

We're all in close proximity

I might be old but I remember as a teen people using headphones for music etc and now that seems to have completely gone? Sometimes I’ve thought I should buy a handful and dole them out on the tube/ buses.

I think people don’t actually care about the noise they inflict on others. It’s a big change I’ve seen from 20 years ago.

I don't think there is any difference between someone talking constantly to the person next and talking on the phone. However, I do think voices should be kept low if taking in public places, which may make it more difficult to have a phone conversation for some.

You poor thing!

I never go anywhere now without my noise cancelling earbuds, which is sad really

Compared to 20 years ago on transport, and everywhere else, people seem less considerate and more selfish. They feel entitled to do what they want where they want and to heck with whether that’s annoying or disruptive to others. They must be constantly in touch and entertained.

It might be that I am older and grumpier though?!

Yes exactly how I feel

Trying to be considerate of others in public

It would get on my nerves but, rationally, I think it's ok as long as it's normal talking volume and the phone's not on speaker

The worst is when people FaceTime other people whilst on public transport - or put the person on the other end of the line on speaker! Has anyone else noticed this is becoming more and more prevalent these days? I don’t even get the point of putting someone on speaker when it’s a two way conversation anyway? Why not just hold the phone to your ear?

It's not rude. He's making good use of dead time. It is irritating. I always take earplugs on long journeys.

I came to comment this....absolutely boils my piss! Why are people so inconsiderate??

@BlastedSkreet I agree. I really think it is ridiculous when an adult plays a noisy game next to you without ear buds. Does no one read anymore?

I've noticed the prevalence of speaker phones now.. infuriates me.
A phone call is bad enough but tolerable, on speaker phone it does my head in.
And kids in restaurants watching videos without headphones... argggh

I think it's very rude. Don't want to hear it and neither do the other passengers. It isn't an office.

There really is. Two people talking on the train speak much more quietly than someone on their phone. Even non-shouty people on phones speak considerably louder than people sitting next to each other.

I was just going to say this
People on phones are always louder than people sat next to each other talking.

I think it's rude. People are louder on the phone than when speaking in person.

Bloke on the train a few weeks ago moaned the whole way to a friend about the fact that his iPad wasn't as good as the other colleague had. My god it was tedious and loud! Plus he was quiet for some time and then made me jump when he started bellowing again!

I wouldn't mind but I think the issue is people usually speak loudly, don't realise when they are on the phone... and my God the things you over hear should be said some where a bit more private especially if the train is full.

I wouldn't judge too quickly though because it's awful when you are stressed and call a friend to chat maybe it couldn't wait who knows!

I suffer with ocd and have a severe anxiety about leaving the house, I haven't been on public transport for a few years due to this, but when I used to I'd have to be on the phone to prevent myself from panicking. Had no idea people would have been annoyed by it 🤔

It’s bloody annoying.

People talking constantly on their mobiles near me makes me feel anxious and on-edge , unless they do it very quietly. It is apparently the case that hearing only one side of a conversation means our brains are automatically trying to fill in the rest of what's being said. I posted a link above.

I can't relax, can't read my book, flick through the news on my IPad because the one-sided conversation is monopolizing my concentration, no matter how hard I try to switch off. I end up wearing earplugs, but i'm not the one making the noise. I usually try to move away but it's not always possible. I've ended up standing next to the stinking loos to avoid lengthy mobile conversations.

It is likely on such a long call that personal information is given away. Just mention one example before you leave the bus and the point will be well made.

Not always. I've found as many people talk loudly without a phone.

On French trains you are expected to go in the corridor if you have a call.