Dirty looks, shushing, even brawls; the lengths that "vigilantes" take to policing the rules of railroad quiet-cars can be extreme. William Power and Brian Hershberg look at how different transit systems, and their passengers, enforce quiet rides.
In this age of smartphones, tablets, and personal audio systems, finding a respite from the cacophony can be a challenge. But, as Power and Hershberg note, "In theory, and often in reality, the quiet car has been a haven for commuters seeking peace. Passengers who desire quiet stay in a designated car, and chatty types in the rest."
Yet, with many systems relying on self enforcement, "passenger-on-passenger policing is just what can happen as the quiet-car concept continues to expand to more railroad lines. Best-known on Amtrak, the shhh-cars are an option on local train lines in places including New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Illinois and California. While some of the quiet cars have clear signs with the rules, others roll up with none."
"One of the biggest myths about quiet cars, say transit officials, is that the rules have legal authority," explain Power and Hershberg. "Most of the time, the quiet ride relies on riders to voluntarily comply—by talking in 'library voice' and disabling sounds on all electronic devices."
"Septa, for example, says riders shouldn't expect to hear a pin drop. 'It's the quiet car, not the silent car,' says Kim Scott Heinle, assistant general manager for customer service and advocacy."
FULL STORY: Shhh! 'Quiet Cars' Turn Commuters Into Librarians
New York and New Jersey Agree To Fund Gateway Hudson Tunnel
The two governors signed an agreement to fund the construction of two new rail tunnels to improve service between the two states.
Southern California Rail Service Resumes After Landslide
The corridor has been closed multiple times in the past year as erosion and landslides put coastal rail infrastructure in jeopardy.
Storms Sever California Rail Line—Again
The coast-hugging rail corridor linking Los Angeles and San Diego faces an uncertain future as mudslides once again force part of the line to close.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility
Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
New York Passes Housing Package Focused on New Development and Adaptive Reuse
The FY 2025 budget includes a new tax incentive, funding for affordable housing on state land, and support for adaptive reuse and ADUs.
LA Metro Board Approves New 710 Freeway Plan
The newest plan for the 710 corridor claims it will not displace any residents.
Austin’s Proposed EV Charging Rules Regulate Station Locations, Size
City planners say the new rules would ensure an efficient distribution of charging infrastructure across the city and prevent an overconcentration in residential areas.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
