STB announces campaigns and fines of up to 1,000 lei for passengers who listen to their phones without headphones or talk on speakerphone

STB is preparing information campaigns and inspections to discourage the use of mobile phones at high volume on Bucharest’s public transport. The measures were announced after an increasing number of passengers complained about people listening to audio messages, videos or reels without headphones, or having personal conversations on speakerphone, disturbing others.

Public transport representatives recommend that passengers use headphones or hold the phone to their ear when listening to audio messages. People who disturb public order may be fined up to 1,000 lei, according to the warning issued by the company.

Marian Artimon, a trade union representative, said that several campaigns are to be conducted concerning talking on the phone and playing audio content at high volume on trains and other means of transport. The aim is to reduce the discomfort caused to other passengers and inform them about the applicable rules.

Experts explain the spread of these behaviors through the diminishing boundary between private life and public space. Sociologist Dragoș Obreja argues that increasingly powerful phones are contributing to the blurring of the distinction between psychological and physical privacy.

The problem is not specific to Romania. In England, penalties for similar behavior can reach £1,000. Jiova