Using mobile phone volumes at high levels in public buses and taxis particularly playing TikTok videos without earphones has become a growing nuisance and a new source of noise pollution for commuters, reports indicate.
Passengers who endure long queues and transport shortages to travel to work find their peace severely disrupted when fellow commuters play mobile audio without restriction during transit.
Observers note that while passengers naturally prefer to travel in peace without being forced to listen to outside audio, they are often subjected against their will to media broadcasts and religious content from neighboring seats.
According to commuters, it is increasingly common to see individuals scrolling through images and listening to loud audio on their phones inside taxis and buses. The core issue is not the act of watching TikTok, but rather that the video audio is played at a volume loud enough to disturb other travelers.
When asked to lower the volume or use earphones, most individuals reportedly refuse, responding with remarks such as "What does my phone have to do with you?" and showing a lack of willingness to use headphones.
Weighing in on the matter, Dagm Belhu Wondimu, Communications Directorate Director at the Addis Ababa City Roads and Transport Bureau, stated that while using social media is a personal right, respecting the peace of others remains an obligation.
Pointing out that various regulations are regularly issued to safeguard passenger safety and peace, he noted that drivers and assistants hold both the responsibility and the right to enforce internal disciplinary standards.
Furthermore, he indicated that the bureau has initiated comprehensive studies on the issue, and concrete enforcement procedures will be made public once the studies are finalized.
On the other hand, attorney and legal consultant Gedfew Banti told Sheger Radio that this practice violates provisions enshrined under Articles 44 and 92 of the country's constitution.
Noting that any individual has the right to live in a clean environment and to be free from disturbance, the legal expert elaborated that the noise generated in public transport can be legally interpreted as a violation and a form of noise pollution.
Personal development coaches and psychologists added that an individual has the right to reach their destination safely and undisturbed by others while utilizing transport services they paid for. They further stressed that infringing upon this right and disrupting the peace of others to suit one is entirely inappropriate.
