The MTA Wants Riders to Wear Headphones

By
Lydia McMullen-Laird
WNYC News | Mar 22, 2019

The MTA has been getting more noise complaints lately and to address it, they're asking riders to wear headphones and keep the volume down. 

Conductors will be asked to play the following announcement, which the MTA says it rolled out a year ago: "You can help everyone have a great trip. Please use headphones at a volume only you can hear." 

Alfredo Wilson, 61, supports the initiative because he hates it when other people play their music loudly. "Why can't they use earphones? I've been in the city 47 years and I still can't get used to it," he said. 

But Bernadette Harris says a quiet subway ride is almost impossible for her family. She said watching videos on their commute helps her 4-year-old son Royale Ramos stay calm.

The MTA says it's noticed an "anecdotal" uptick in incidents of loud speaker and headphone use on trains. Agency policy states that amplified sound, such as speakers, are prohibited on subway cars.

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Lydia McMullen-Laird

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