Shush! Beijing-Shanghai Railway Routes to Launch "Quiet Carriages"

It’s a tale as old as time: you’re ready to jet off on a high-speed train to (or back from) Shanghai, only to have your peaceful journey thwarted by a full range of unwanted disruptions. Frustrated by the guy inexplicably blasting a TV show on his phone without headphones? Annoyed that the lil’ tyke next to you won’t stop screaming? Wish the grandpa seated behind you could not call everyone he knows on his oversized cellphone? Well, the Beijing-Shanghai rail route may have the solution for you! China will pilot a “quiet carriage” system from Dec 23, intended to offer passengers more choice and control over their travel experience.

Curious how this system will work? Let’s find out!

Noise no-nos

In these specially designated cars, passengers will not be allowed to talk loudly, make phone calls, listen to music or video without headphones, or make unnecessary noise. Passengers will receive a list of prohibited behaviors prior to boarding and must agree to these terms in order to sit within the cabin.  

If someone does not comply with these regulations, train staff will monitor, remind, and if necessary, remove these non-compliant noisy nellies.

From Sydney, with love

According to state-media coverage, Sydney, Australia is serving as the blueprint for Beijing’s approach. Since 2012, audible-conscious Aussies have had the option of using a “quiet carriage” with restrictions on passenger noise and no train station announcements throughout the journey.

Besides trialing a quiet carriage, other upcoming changes include a flexible pricing system that would adjust ticket costs based on supply and demand.

So, what’re are the reviews?

Opinion bloggers, eager to play devil's advocate, have delivered mixed views on the proposal. While some would-be passengers are gleeful at the prospect of a quiet ride, others fear that implementing “quiet carriages” will make riders in other cabins go nuts for noisiness. Another fear: that train staff will be unable to regulate passenger behavior, leaving would-be quiet time enthusiasts unsatisfied. The real issue, another netizen commented, is that people are not always aware of the impact of their behavior and noise level when in a public place. However, netizens appear to be overwhelmingly supportive of the idea with one Weibo poll showing 87 percent of respondents in favor. Still, we'll have to wait and see whether public opinion shifts after the pilot program.

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Images: VGN Platform