People across London were reeling this morning after they were asked to do something that does not come naturally.

Tube travellers were being asked if they wanted to ‘chat’.

Here’s why Tube Chat badges are a great idea

Naturally, commentators across the city were outraged at the proposal with many putting their feelings succinctly.


One person said: ‘Nope.’

Another said: ‘Ugh’. And not in a nice way.

How long before badges appear with something lewd in place of the word 'chat'? #tube_chat pic.twitter.com/i23HP6I6cB — Mark Gillies (@5goalthriller) September 28, 2016

My #tube_chat thoughts, in three tweets:

1. People would prefer a "Do Not Disturb" sign pic.twitter.com/Igh8YsPGKJ — Robert Perry (Pez) (@pez_sez) September 29, 2016

Someone else photoshopped the badge.

Others came up with a response

Somebody enterprising would make a killing selling these at underground stations. #tube_chat pic.twitter.com/mOdHuaAFWm — Melodipopvision (@melodipopvision) September 29, 2016

It’s going to be disappointing for the French

French-speakers are going to be really disappointed by this.

'Où est le chat?' #tube_chat pic.twitter.com/ywzRGk0QRG — Steve Messer (@stevenjmesser) September 29, 2016

Of course there was a Leonardo DiCaprio meme

Some people are readying their palms

Can I get this on a badge to counteract the ‘Tube Chat’ ones? pic.twitter.com/diUsjSdiXg — Sergio (@SergioMallardo) September 29, 2016

But is it really that bad? I mean – look at what happens on a Friday and Saturday night after a few drinks. Everyone on the tube is your best friend.

There are even sing-alongs. Bloody sing-alongs!

And my mate’s sister met her future husband on the Tube – he was a randomer and now they’re happy married. That was without this new all-powerful Tube Chat? badge (not officially endorsed by TfL).



We aren’t in Victorian times any more.

So if you’re a doubter, don’t take a badge, and continue to wallow in your own misery while other people have a bit of fun and get to know people they may one day end up in the sack with.

This guy gets it

i love the idea of #tube_chat. why so much hate? — hammy (@iamhamesh) September 29, 2016

This guy wants it

There were many times I sat on the tube and probably would have broken down in tears if someone had asked me if I was OK. There were also… — Ryan Love (@RyanJL) September 29, 2016

Sure, I probably wouldn't wear a badge, but I don't think encouraging people to feel comfortable to say hello is a really terrible thing. — Ryan Love (@RyanJL) September 29, 2016

A badge might sound silly to you, but even if just a few people wear one and maybe feel good after having that chat, it's a positive thing. — Ryan Love (@RyanJL) September 29, 2016

Taking the positives

I'm all for tube chat badges. Makes identifying knobs easier — Anarcho-Blairite (@blueliberal1) September 29, 2016

MORE: Here’s why Tube Chat badges are a great idea

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