A man in France has been fined €200 (£166) for using his phone on loudspeaker at a train station, sparking a dispute over the penalty. The man, identified as David, was speaking to his sister at Nantes station when he was approached by an SNCF employee. Initially facing a €150 fine for not turning off the loudspeaker, David’s penalty was increased to €200 when he did not pay on the spot. He has now enlisted a lawyer to challenge the fine. SNCF confirmed the incident, stating that the man was fined in a quiet area of the station. While David maintains his version of events, SNCF has countered some of his claims. The disagreement escalated before the fine was issued, with SNCF asserting its staff’s authority to penalize passengers. The incident occurred on a Sunday, although France lacks specific laws against loudspeaker use in public areas, noise regulations are in place. The transport code stipulates fines for disturbing others with loud sounds in transport locations. Public opinion surveys reveal a strong aversion to loud behavior during phone calls. Different countries employ varying methods to address this issue, such as UK railway rules prohibiting annoying sound-producing devices without permission. Some UK train operators offer quiet coaches or zones where noise is restricted. Similarly, Trenitalia in Italy provides silent areas for passengers seeking a noise-free journey. In Japan, talking on the phone in trains is discouraged due to cultural norms emphasizing politeness. Train etiquette guidelines urge passengers to maintain silence and silence their phones. The Busan Transportation Corporation in South Korea also emphasizes quiet behavior on public transport.
In a recent update to its rail etiquette guidelines, transit company a has recommended passengers switch their phones to vibration mode and engage in conversations discreetly while on board. The company’s website now features a detailed guide on proper behavior for passengers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a respectful and considerate atmosphere during travel. These guidelines aim to enhance the overall experience for all passengers and create a more pleasant journey for everyone on board.
