Melbourne

It is really not unique to Mwlbourne.

Because culture of impunity.

Many people do what ever they want because they know that there will be no consequences. Why no consequences? Because the organisations/people we have entrusted to keep order and to keep us safe have become cowards.

I don't find it much of a bother, I'm not really bothered by the other people. e: I've been on 2AC trains in Bihar and those death bus trips through the Himalayas. My level of public transport trauma has been changed.

You've got 2 options. Try to change the world or try to change yourself. You either talk to these people and ask them not to do these things, or you accept that there will always be annoying people on public transport and find peace and acceptance.

I've spent most of my life in the first camp but am now realising all my policing hasn't made any long term change.

I wish I knew what to do about it, but just my thoughts.

Can you add people who smoke tobacco / weed and sit next to you to the list? I personally find it so disgusting. Or also the people who don't give you enough room to sit down and have their stuff leaning on your seat. Not cool.

The number one thing imo is people don't want to confront the people displaying antisocial behaviour over the fear of being harmed. At my workplace (retail), they tell us not to make eye contact with and maintain a safe distance from threatening customers.

Compared to a country like Japan, where quiet on PT is taken seriously, I think our culture is just not as respectful and more laid-back. People aren't confrontational there either, but norms are much more engrained.

As for having conversations at all waking hours of the day, maybe they're talking to people from different time zones? Or they can just talk at times you wouldn't have a phone conversation like they would?

Maybe bigger signs or announcements about being quiet? Make it a public health thing. I know with the stop it campaign, they would sometimes speak about it over the PA system and have signs and advertisements. The people who are inconsiderate of others wouldn't pay attention to these messages, but it could be a step in the right direction.

There are signs on buses saying no smoking, or put headphones on, but they're not always enforced. Plus the substance use problem in this city. I was on the train a couple of months ago and this man who was either severely mentally ill and/or on hard drugs was playing music very loudly, and when we sat near him, he started recording us with the flash on and banging on the train window. I just got up and left. There isn't much I can do as an individual in that situation.

1. Don't find it unique, it's prevalent in many cities. Melbourne CBD just has it to an excessive level.
2. Tell them you don't like it. Ask the parents to shut up their kids. Teach your own children to be more polite and respectful on public transport & in general.
3. I wish I knew why. My daughter was on a 3 hour call organising outfits yesterday. At least she put the call on her headphones while we were in the market.

I think there is a fear of upsetting children so rarely parents are told that their children's behaviour is disrespectful and disruptive. PT is for all not just the bogan's.

Get some decent self defence training (optional if you’re an 6+-foot wall of muscle) and then go up to them and say “mate, nobody wants to hear your video. Put on some headphones or turn. it. off.” It probably won’t escalate to violence, though if they get aggressive, you want to be able to stare them down.

I'd tell you to get a car and drive yourself, but the entitlement on Melbourne roads is worse that what you describe on PT.