Cell Phones On The Subway: Viewers React
Posted December 5, 2008 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It’s the greatest idea in the world and about time.
It’s the dumbest thing I ever heard.
Both those opinions – and variations on those themes – have come from CityNews.ca viewers, after we asked you about the idea of cell phones being enabled to work in the subway. While the TTC is also looking into getting Wi Fi down under, it’s the mobile devices that seem to have encouraged a chorus of yeahs and nays.
Some feel they’d be a real boon, others a bane.
Whatever your take, one thing seems clear. When it comes to pass, as it seems certain to do, your ride on the Rocket will never be quite as uneventful or quiet again. Thanks for your letters. Here’s a random sampling of your comments.
“I think it is a good idea to make a cellular signal available on the subway. It adds an element of safety, as you would have the option to contact emergency services or a loved one in the case of an emergency. Also, sometimes there are delays and you could let people know that you are going to be late.
“Obviously you will get the annoying people who constantly blabber on but that can be expected anywhere you go and you will find that with or without a cell phone signal.”
Jessica Gearing
“Can people not live without talking on their cell phones for 30 minutes? Geesh!”
“If phones on the subway were set to vibrate then it wouldn’t be so bad. (I have a bigger complaint with those iPod users with music so loud you can’t concentrate on reading.) What about those trying to catch a few more minutes of sleep before getting to work? Can’t happen with all those stupid phones ringing.”
Anonymous
“I love that the TTC is finally installing this technology. In the 21st century, whether people like it or not, every second of the day is valuable and I have never understood why we should be forced to endure radio silence while on the subway.
“This should allow people to continue to stay in communication with family, friends and continue to work from smartphones. Best of all, when there are subway delays as you make your way to a meeting you will finally be able to let people know you’re stuck in an underground tunnel. Bravo TTC!”
Marc Grossman
“My iPhone is useless without its data connection. Signal in the subway would be excellent. For those who want peace and quiet, some subway cars could be designated as “no cell phone” cars, like a no smoking area. There are enough cars to designate one or two like that. (Maybe not during rush hour.)
Shane Cusson
“Some people would be doing necessary things with their phones and BlackBerrys but most are talking absolute rubbish and just annoy the hell out of others. If the TTC chooses to do this then I think they should also have some quiet cars where cell phone use (and loud groups) are prohibited.”
Nina Hartt
“WORST IDEA EVER! I love my BlackBerry as much as the next crack addict but I love the tech free solace the subway provides.”
Sam Taus
“I think it’s a really bad idea. There is nothing worse than sitting on a bus and hearing someone with a very loud voice discussing personal matters or having an argument with someone using really bad language. I think the cell phone usage has gone too far. What in the world did people do before the cell phone? I guess they left their work at the office.”
Charlene LeBlanc
“Absolutely I support the idea. Too many times I have been trapped in a tunnel with no way to inform my employer/appointment/friend that I’ll be running late. As for the argument that the subway is the one of the last quiet spots to “think, read or sleep”? I ride the subway at least 2 times a day. I would call the experience anything but quiet.”
Stacy MacKenzie
“I have a cell phone like everyone else, but I see no reason to be on it every minute of the day. I like the relative peace and quiet on the subway in the morning on my way to work. Once access is given I know that time will now be filled with hundreds of boring, annoying conversations non-stop .
“I really do not look forward to the constant mindless chatter the cell phones will bring in a confined space like the subway, not to mention the annoying ringtones.”
Nigel Richards
“I think this is a waste of time and money, as well as an example of how rude and inconsiderate people can be…
“If people these days don’t think it is rude to be on their cell phone talking loud enough so that everyone on the bus can hear them then it’s pretty sad. I’m not surprised because this is the city we’ve become. Except for emergencies, you really don’t need to be on your phone while riding transit. Relax and enjoy a nice peaceful ride.”
Drew
“One of the few places that you get relief from loud and obnoxious people on their cell phones, is the subway. I wish I had seen the survey. My answer would have been no, no, no.
“If there is an emergency, they have those nice yellow strips. Otherwise, the call can wait until the train hits the open portion of the system. The first paragraph in your story, says it all. These devices are wonderful and have their place in society. However, the subway isn’t that place.”
Peter Lepper
“Once I board the train at Downsview, there will be only a few moments where I’ll be reachable until I reach my final destination, Finch Station. In trying to coordinate meeting a few other people, coming from all different directions, it would be great if I had uninterrupted cell phone service instead of being unreachable for more than an hour.
“I don’t think access to a signal will result in me using my cell phone more, but it would be great to be able to use it whenever I need to instead of frantically trying to dial when the train pulls into an outdoor location.”
Michele LaPointe
“While it can be annoying listening to others on their phone while in public, one can always put their own headphones on; the real issue here is security and safety. With new wireless/cell service in the underground tunnel, there is risk that remote bombs and devices can now be used. Whether it will happen is another story, but we need to be made aware that there will be the potential for this new added threat.”
Patrick J. Hislop
And finally the most succinct of all the repsonses we received.
“No!!!!!”
Melissa Hoekstra
