A fiery debate has erupted among commuters over one of public transport's most contentious modern issues: is it ever acceptable to listen to music, podcasts, or videos out loud on a bus or train? The discussion, sparked by letters to MetroTalk, reveals a deep divide between those who see it as a fundamental breach of etiquette and a small minority who argue for nuance.
The Case Against 'Bare Beating'
For many readers, the act – often dubbed 'bare beating' – is the height of selfishness. Paul from London launched a scathing critique, published on January 6, 2026, arguing that those who forego headphones force their audio choices on an entire carriage. "Nobody wants to listen to your music/video/podcast," he stated. He dismantled common justifications, such as the need to hear passenger announcements, by suggesting practical alternatives like using one earphone or keeping headphone volume low.
This sentiment was strongly echoed by Dec from Essex, who labelled such individuals "'cake and eat it merchants'" for wanting to broadcast their audio while eavesdropping on others. He countered the argument that a certain noise level should be expected, clarifying it should be the sound of the train or the occasional cough, not personal entertainment.
The frustration goes beyond mere annoyance for some. John from Surrey reported a more alarming consequence, revealing he has been verbally abused or physically assaulted after asking people to turn their phones down. He lamented that commuting has become "an utter misery" where Quiet Zones are ignored and authorities turn a blind eye.
A Plea for Nuance and an Accusation of Hypocrisy
Not every reader was in full agreement with the outright ban. William Barklam from Erith called for a more measured approach. He suggested that if the volume is low and almost unobtrusive, it might be acceptable. He also presented a counter-argument against headphones, claiming they can cause passengers to become oblivious to their surroundings, ignoring requests to move bags or to stand on the correct side of an escalator.
However, this view of compromise was directly challenged by Joe from Sutton, who pointed out the inherent hypocrisy in the 'bare beater' position. He argued they rely on others being considerate and polite while failing to extend the same courtesy themselves.
A Commuting Culture Clash
The debate highlights a fundamental clash in modern commuting culture. On one side is the expectation of a shared, minimally invasive public space where personal audio remains private. On the other is a minority view that seeks to redefine the boundaries of acceptable shared noise, or prioritise personal situational awareness over collective quiet.
With transport authorities often perceived as not enforcing existing rules, the burden of negotiation falls directly on passengers, sometimes leading to confrontation. As the letters show, this everyday issue taps into broader themes of consideration, shared space, and how we navigate an increasingly connected—and sometimes noisy—world in close quarters.
