Thankfully, the sight of unwary commuters talking loudly on their phones, teenagers playing music and kids playing loud video games while on public transport may soon be a thing of the past.
One company is working on technology that could install signal blockers on trains, buses and subway stations to force mobile phones and their users to behave in a courteous manner.
Cubic Corporation, which also operates London's Oyster system, has patented technology that allows it to remotely control certain hardware components of a phone.
It has the potential to automatically activate the pre-installed but rarely used silent mode, as well as disable certain features and force the use of the device.
One company is working on technology that could equip trains, buses and subways with signal blockers to force phones and their users to act in an appropriate way and activate silent mode or lower volume
It was filed in the United States and is said to have a large number of detectors scattered around stations or vehicles, with signals coming from telephones.
The patent states that the exact location can then be pinpointed and a range of different options forced to be selected.
According to the patent, the use of headphones or other accessories will be taken into account and the most appropriate measures will be taken to prevent interference.
It's unclear if the technology will ever be implemented, as the company claims it's only a "proof-of-concept" patent.
Cubic also said it has no plans to develop or install the technology.
The technology is inspired by the interference of mobile phones, as they "may irritate transit users, especially in designated quiet areas".
The technology is inspired by the interference of mobile phones, as they "irritate transit users, especially in designated quiet areas," the patent says.
If the technology is to progress and reach UK shores, it will need to be significantly improved to comply with UK law.
It is currently a criminal offence in the UK to deliberately interfere with wireless telegrams using any device, including signal jammers.
Under section 68 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006, Ofcom says the maximum penalty is two years' imprisonment and/or an indefinite fine.
