I would like to point out that as a commuter, I too find sound levels of TV Mobile at best annoying, and at worst, distressing.

TV Mobile said it carries out regular checks to make sure levels are comfortable for commuters. I would like to know what is the range of decibels set. Comfortable and safe levels of continual sound exposure should be below 85 decibels. Are the sound levels set by TV Mobile, combined with engine noise and surrounding ambient sounds, less than 85 decibels? Can TV Mobile elaborate on how it ensures safe and comfortable levels? Are there any surveys to show that most commuters are happy with sound levels and find them comfortable? According to most informal feedback I have from fellow commuters, it seems no one finds the levels comfortable.

Personally, it is a huge annoyance to find I have to raise my voice to have a conversation with a friend on the bus, increase the volume on my mobile phone and MP3 player and avoid seats directly under speakers. Moreover, it is pretty distressing to be blasted with the noise in the morning and evening when I would like some quiet. This has come to a point where I avoid taking buses as much as I can, preferring the MRT where there is no constant barrage of commercials and noise. Moreover, the amount of noise emitted means I can move about on the bus but I can't hide from whatever Mobile TV chooses to dish out. I am left with no choice but to absorb whatever commercials or programmes Mobile TV has decided. This is a serious infringement of commuters' privacy and preferences.

In certain countries such as Japan, sounds from mobile advertising and media are banned on public transport. Shouldn't a country whose society aspires to world class living for its citizens respect their privacy, preferences and hearing safety? Let us have an option of some quiet on buses. Anyone who truly wishes to hear what is on TV Mobile may do so on their portable radio or mobile phone.

Tan Chui Hua (Ms)