CHENNAI: In a much-needed measure, the Tamil Nadu government directed all State Transport Corporations to discourage passengers from using mobile phones in speaker mode or playing music and videos aloud during journeys.
While it does not warn of fines unlike the Chennai Metro Rail that decided to slap a stiff fine of Rs 2,500, the government cautioned that such acts would be considered as misconduct.
In a circular, Transport Secretary L Nirmal Raj directed the managing directors of the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC), State Express Transport Corporation (SETC), and all Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporations to immediately implement passenger etiquette guidelines and create awareness among commuters.
Recently, CMRL decided to crack down on on-board noise with stricter penalties, announcing that passengers travelling on the Metro or waiting at stations could face a fine of up to Rs 2,500 for playing music or videos without headphones, using speaker mode, or creating disturbances.
The circular said drivers should ensure that loud music is not played inside buses, as mandated under Rule 5 (10) of the Motor Vehicles (Driving) Regulations, 2017. It also cited Rule 228 of the Tamil Nadu Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, under which any act causing inconvenience or disturbance to fellow passengers is considered misconduct.
Passengers have been advised not to speak loudly on mobile phones throughout the journey, use speaker mode during calls, or play videos and songs without earphones or headphones. The circular said passengers should use wired or Bluetooth earphones or headphones so that their mobile phone use does not disturb others.
The government has also instructed transport corporations to paste awareness stickers measuring 24 cm x 16 cm inside all buses at the front entrance, centre, and rear entrance. The stickers will carry messages such as "No Speaker Mode. Please Use Earphones/Headphones", "Respect Other Passengers" and "Quiet Travel, Safe Travel".
The circular further directed drivers, conductors and supervisory staff to sensitise passengers about the guidelines during their shifts and ensure they are implemented across all State-run buses.