Why travelers will no longer be allowed to eat, drink or listen to loud music in China

You will now be banned from eating, drinking, standing on seats, playing music on speakers and lying down when traveling, according to new laws in China.

The China Ministry of Transport said the new regulations will take effect from April 1, 2020 in all subway systems.

According to  China Daily newspaper, this is the first time the country has enacted subway legislation that affects the entire country.

The initial rules targetted specific cities and regions which had their own guidelines before the Ministry of Transport laws announced on Tuesday.

Those with medical conditions as well as babies and small children will be exempted from the ban.

In 2015, Beijing  enacted its own ban on food and drink on the subway as well as on platforms and in station elevators, imposing a fine of up to Ksh. 7,300 to those who offended the rule.

“Providing safe and convenient travel services for passengers is always the fundamental starting point and the foothold of urban subway transit and it is important to roll out the managing regulation of urban subway organization and service from the national level.” read part of the letter from the Ministry of Transport.

Although the laws will be effective April 2020, there are still no specific penalties that lawbreakers will face.

Concerns have however been raised over how people with medical conditions will be proved as genuine.