"Ban Bus Drivers from Listening to Radio," Citizen Requests… Seoul City Says "Blanket Ban Is Difficult"

Passengers uncomfortable with drivers' radio choices... Demand for ban raised
Seoul City: "No restriction in current regulations... Requesting drivers to maintain appropriate volume"

A citizen complaint has been filed requesting a ban on city bus drivers in Seoul from listening to the radio while operating their buses. The Seoul Metropolitan Government has drawn a line against a blanket prohibition, stating that there is no legal basis to restrict radio listening itself under current laws. However, the city emphasized that it will manage the situation to prevent passenger inconvenience, such as excessively loud volume.

Bus image for article context. Photo by The Asia Business Daily DB

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Council on July 14, a citizen surnamed Lee recently submitted a request to the council to establish an ordinance banning Seoul city bus drivers from listening to the radio while on duty.

Lee argued, "When Seoul city bus drivers turn on the radio, it causes discomfort for all passengers," adding, "A Seoul city bus is not the driver's private car. Forcing passengers to tolerate the various radio preferences of different drivers is a hardship." Lee pointed out that radio sounds can disturb passengers who wish to travel quietly.

Lee also raised concerns that the radio could affect bus operation and passenger service. "Sometimes, bus drivers fail to notice when passengers press the stop bell because they are listening to the radio, or they may loudly sing along with popular songs," Lee stated. Furthermore, Lee claimed, "There have been cases where, when passengers requested the radio to be turned off, the driver responded with abusive language or drove recklessly."

The Bus Policy Division of the Seoul Metropolitan Government indicated that it is difficult to impose a uniform ban on radio listening. The city explained, "In general, listening to the radio on city buses is not prohibited by current law, and it is commonly allowed in regular vehicles as well."

The city also expressed caution regarding the creation of an ordinance prohibiting radio use. "It is necessary to comprehensively consider the city bus usage environment, public opinion, and operational conditions," the city noted. "At this time, enacting a uniform prohibition requires careful review."

However, the city stated that it will take action to manage cases where passengers are inconvenienced by excessive volume or long periods of broadcasting.

"If an excessively loud radio or broadcasts that may cause discomfort to citizens are played for a prolonged time during operation, this can cause inconvenience," the city said. "We are continuously requesting transportation companies to maintain appropriate volume levels and to ensure considerate service for passengers."

The city further added, "We will continue to instruct transportation companies to educate personnel and conduct on-site management to ensure passenger service and public safety are not compromised during operations."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.