Interesting story in the NY Times on a New Jersey commuter bus line that forbids cellphones except for emergencies–and actually enforces the policy.

Mike Richard writes:

The New Jersey commuter bus heading to New York City last week rolled to a stop on the side of the highway. The morning holdup was caused by a passenger who was talking on her cellphone.

“I’ve got all day, ma’am; I’ll wait till you’re done,” the driver announced into his microphone, with the bus idling, about a half-hour from the Lincoln Tunnel.

As we post this, there are no less than 85 comments from readers, the large majority who find cellphone blabbers on public transportation a nuisance–or worse.

Metro-North refuses to do no-cellphone cars because that would presumably prevent some people from getting a seat, and the railroad has a strict all-seats-for-everyone policy. It also claims some very loopy First Amendment reasons.

Here’s a delightful comment from a Metro-North rider. I think we all know this guy.

I ride Metro-North and every once in a while you get the obnoxious cell phone. Well I had one sitting next to me discussing some very important investment research. It must have been really critical because it was the Friday before Labor Day weekend and the information of course would be acted upon immediately. Since he was talking very loudly with a hint of sycophancy I believe that it must have been his boss.

What ended up happening was since he was so intent on getting this vital information to his boss very loudly that when we got to his station he forgot the very nice bouquet of roses he bought (presumably) for his wife. Probably as a make-peace because he spends a lot of time on his cell phone discussing investment research very loudly at home as well.

Needless to say my wife & daughter were very grateful for the lovely bouquet. So thank you very loud cellphone user guy!