Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

Arts & Entertainment

Subway Etiquette: Please Wear Headphones If You're Listening To Music


By

Jen Carlson

Published Jul 10, 2013

Modified Jul 10, 2013


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .


By

Jen Carlson

Published Jul 10, 2013

Modified Jul 10, 2013


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

When it comes to subway etiquette the worst offense is when people use their devices as speakers (we're looking at you, teenagers). It is worse than a humorously discarded banana peel, it is worse than hogging the seat, it is worse than freeballing, and it is worse than shitting all over the place. Too far? No. Blasting your music on the subway is The Fucking Worst.

Even if everyone on the car is really drunk and neeeeeeds to hear "Blurred Lines" right at that moment, they do not want to hear it from your tinny-sounding speaker. No one thinks you are cool or even rebellious or anything but annoying for spilling sub-par sound into the subway car. A flash mob dance party will not start because you put a song on.

Nothing good is sent out into the universe by you sharing anything that is on your iPod—do you see what you've done? You've ruined the only good thing we have in life: music. Anyway, thanks for letting us vent, obnoxious asshole who will probably never read this!

This PSA was brought on by reader Barry Hott, who sent along this video and asked: "Is it acceptable to play music from a pocket speaker during AM rush hour?"

Tagged

etiquette

Music

subway etiquette

original


Jen Carlson

Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE arts-entertainment

Inside the hidden chamber that controls Lincoln Center's magnificent fountain

Gothamist went behind the scenes to learn how the NYC landmark keeps its majestic waters flowing.

By

Sonia Rao

Published Oct 23, 2026


In the algorithm age, NYC college radio DJs are still broadcasting the funky stuff

We dropped by WNYU to see what the next generation of radio DJs is up to. The answer is "Br00tal Beats To Study/Relax To."

By

James Ramsay

Arts & Entertainment

In the algorithm age, NYC college radio DJs are still broadcasting the funky stuff

We dropped by WNYU to see what the next generation of radio DJs is up to. The answer is "Br00tal Beats To Study/Relax To."

By

James Ramsay


A Queens prop shop shutters, bunnies find a home uptown, and more openings and closings

By

Hannah Frishberg

A new film invites you to eavesdrop on one of the greatest conversations in NYC history

By

Sonia Rao

The Knicks are NBA champions. Now they have to start dressing the part.

By

Sonia Rao


Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .