Loud announcements on trains

[weary rushian]

Why oh why do we have to have the announcement of next station etc at an extremely high volume at times? Especially early in the morning when people might be trying to catch up on some sleep, it's nigh on impossible to sleep through them.

[Colm Moore]

So people don't miss their stop. :)

[Thomas Ralph]

The system isn't perfect but drivers are able to adjust the sound, so if you're near the front of the train feel free to get off at a stop and tell him through the window that it's too high.

[weary rushian]

So people don't miss their stop. :)

Ha Ha-I understand that-but they are soooo loud at times as to be sore on your ears, I wonder how many decibels they would register at if tested?

[Colm Moore]

If you feel they are dangerously load, the best route is to mention it to someone, preferably the driver and perhaps follow up with an e-mail.

If you just feel they are a nuisance, perhaps invest if some earplugs (€1 per pair from pharmacies for foam earplugs, re-usable and washable) and set your phone to vibrate / alarm a few minutes before your stop.

[James Howard]

I find a pair of noise-cancelling headphones does the trick nicely. I got a pair about 6 months ago. I can't hear the announcements at all now.

As a side benefit, they make a 29k sound like a 22k and on a 22k there is almost no engine noise at all. I spend over 3 hours a day on trains and they make life a lot more bearable.

The only problem is that you miss delay announcements.

[Ballymore]

Dont worry most of the 'delay announcements' are gibberish anyway. Usually so inaudible and garbled I bet you hear just as much as those of us without earphones etc :)

[James Howard]

We actually had a clear one this morning in Mullingar on the 0545 from Sligo. They had a busted door.