Imagine a Train Ride Sans Cell Phones
Thursday, March 26, 2009 5:24 PM
You're on a rush-hour train, exhausted from a busy day at the office. The last thing you want to hear is someone chatting on his cell phone about info you don't care to know.
Now, for Philadelphia-area commuters, there's a respite from cell phone talkers and noisy kids. Starting April 6, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority rush-hour trains will have a designated "Quiet Ride" car.
No cell phones can be used, except for texting. No crying babies or groups of school kids. 
A "Quiet Ride" car will be the first car of every peak-period train. Most rush-hour trains have three cars.
The transit agency tested the concept in January and was surprised at the interest and enthusiasm by passengers. The quiet car was an immediate success, reports The Philadelphia Inquirer.
In a survey of passengers who ride lines with existing quiet cars, 84 percent said most of their fellow passengers abide by the quiet rules. When they don't, conductors pass out cards that say, "SHHHHH - You're on a Quiet Ride car."