It's the norm to travel in complete silence and avoid eye contact with everyone, but someone out there wants this to change.
These badges have been given out to commuters to wear, to let others know they're open to chatting whilst they travel. It's not clear who's making and giving out the badges, but they have their own twitter account dedicated to the idea.
First batch have been handed out. Second batch coming soon. #tube_chat #tube #londonunderground pic.twitter.com/XHeMKqMTsK
— Tube Chat (@tube_chat) September 28, 2016
Londoners aren't famous for their small talk, it's downright terrifying for most. One news headline says "panic across London" which resonates with the horror southerners are feeling when it comes to human interaction.
The reaction to this campaign is mixed, steering towards more dislike than like, but those against it have quite strong views.
If someone comes near me with a #tube_chat badge. pic.twitter.com/TO0FBeyyQg
— Elliot Hackney (@ElliotHackney) September 29, 2016
I'd rather wear a t-shirt with my twitter handle so they can tweet me. It's the only acceptable way to talk to strangers #tube_chat
— Kerri (@Kerri_Prince) September 29, 2016
Sums it up for me. #tube_chat pic.twitter.com/or3gb6JJRG
— (null) (@pewpy) September 29, 2016
This will come in handy Lmao #tube_chat pic.twitter.com/UiRcsw83vR
— Made (@MadeManJama) September 29, 2016
Others just dislike the hashtag:
If #tube_chat involves the sort of people who use an underscore in a hashtag I don't want to know them.
— Jono Read (@jonoread) September 29, 2016
I don't know what's worse: the concept of #tube_chat or the fact that they used an underscore in a hashtag. #fail
— Paddy Johnston (@paddyjohnston) September 29, 2016
Some may say Londoners are quite a grumpy bunch, but there are some who appreciate the idea.
I think I may be the only one in the world who thinks that #tube_chat is a good idea. I like talking to people. You might learn something...
— Daniel Braddock (@bradders_d) September 29, 2016
This could be fun on the @northernline @tube_chat #tube_chat #Iwantone pic.twitter.com/Ln9Y7rSrDc
— Anushka Sharma (@nushkino) September 29, 2016
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