Andy Burnham says "share the journey, not the noise" as he urges riders to curb train noise

Andy Burnham announced a nationwide effort to curb disruptive audio on trains, urging riders to use personal listening devices and warning that repeated violations could attract fines of up to £1,000. The initiative coincides with recently granted authority for local councils to impose penalties for various nuisances on buses, such as littering, vaping and loud music, with enforcement delegated to transport safety officers rather than drivers. Department for Transport guidance released the same day outlines how the new legislation may be applied, pending approval by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander. Advocates for public‑transport users praised the move as a step toward a more pleasant travel experience, while union leaders and opposition politicians argued that the proposed sanctions are insufficient to protect staff and deter broader antisocial conduct.