So, you're settling into your train, bus, tube or tram journey, ready for a peaceful commute, when suddenly someone's TikTok feed starts blaring through the carriage. No headphones, no consideration - just raw audio interrupting your peace. Sound familiar? Welcome to the world of bare beating – a phrase coined to describe behaviour that’s become a big annoyance for many public transport users today.

It might be a minority, but more and more people are playing device audio in shared spaces without head or earphones; whether it's music, videos, phone calls, or social media clips. The behaviour has earned offenders the nickname ‘headphone dodgers’ and complaints about it are on the rise.

London Acts

The situation became serious enough that Transport for London rolled out an awareness initiative in Summer 2025. New signage promoting headphone use appeared throughout the tube network, expanding to buses and other services. The messaging formed part of a broader campaign encouraging considerate behaviour among passengers.

While British commuters have traditionally valued quiet travel experiences, this isn't purely a UK issue. Passengers worldwide are reporting similar frustrations, with the problem appearing to feed on itself - when one person plays audio aloud, others seem more likely to.

What The Rules Say

Here's something many people don't realise - playing audio without permission on trains already violates existing regulations. Railway codes prohibit using sound-reproducing devices that disturb fellow passengers. Unfortunately, these rules rarely get enforced - and most people don't even know they exist.

But now there's a push for stronger measures. In 2025, the Liberal Democrats called to update transport legislation to explicitly outlaw the practice across buses and trains in England, with potential penalties reaching £1,000. The idea had cross-party support, with some Labour and Tory MPs previously suggesting similar measures, but others argued existing anti-social behaviour laws are enough.

About a third of London residents surveyed supported introducing penalties. Perhaps that’s because many who find the behaviour frustrating admit they wouldn't feel comfortable confronting someone about it.

Whilst the law hasn’t’ changed yet, some measures have been introduced and there is much greater awareness of the issue.

What You Can Do

If unwanted audio disrupts your journey, try these approaches:

• Invest in quality audio gear: good-quality earbuds or specialised sound-blocking devices can create your own bubble of peace, even in noisy environments.

• Politely ask: though it feels uncomfortable, many people genuinely don't realise they're causing a problem. If you judge it safe to do so, a respectful request often works surprisingly well.

• Seek help from staff: rather than direct confrontation, and particularly if you are concerned about the reaction you might get, you could alert a member of staff to deal with the situation.

• Shrug it off and move: some things aren’t worth stressing about. If easy, maybe move to a difference area rather than let it trigger you. Perhaps your movement may send a quiet message to the culprit!

• Select quiet carriages: when these designated spaces exist, use them. The rules tend to be more actively maintained in these areas.

And if you’re a bare beater? Please think about others and plug in! You can still listen to your sounds, but instead of through a tinny phone speaker, make sound beautiful with a good pair of earphones. The people around you will thank you! :-)