‘Just no!’: PTV’s ‘playful surprise’ on Melbourne train frustrates commuters

A kind act by Melbourne’s public transport system was slammed by some passengers who labelled the stunt “disruptive” and “annoying”.

A choir attempted to lift commuter spirits in Melbourne last week. Picture: @ptv_official / Twitter

A stunt by Victoria’s public transport system aimed at boosting the spirits of commuters has backfired, with some passengers slamming the network.

Last week, Melburnians were left confused when a group of musicians started performing on trains and at stations across the city in scenes similar to hit film series Step Up.

In a video shared to Reddit, five singers were filmed accompanying a guitarist on an Upfield line train clapping in rhythm as they sang an acoustic version of Backstreet Boys’ “I want it that way”.

Some commuters were seen happily singing, swaying and filming the performance while others appeared to bury their heads deeper into their phones.

Public Transport Victoria (PTV) later revealed on Thursday it invited the choir group to perform the “spontaneous sing-a-longs” as part of its “Autumn of Adventures” campaign.

The gig was one of many “playful surprises” the network hosted to “delight” and “wow” public transport users across Melbourne in the Autumn months.

Other epic acts included the Golden Couple, Flower Orbs, circus performances and dance duo the Illuminated Dancers.

But despite the network’s intentions to bring fun to travellers’ journeys, not all were pleased by the impromptu concerts.

After revealing it was behind the performance on Twitter, Melburnians criticised PTV for giving the group the green light to disrupt their “peaceful” and “quiet” train rides.

The choir sang "I want it that way" by the Backstreet Boys on the Upfield Line. Picture: @ptv_official / Twitter

“I have enough sensory issues on public transport without having to deal with this as well. Time & place people. Signed a musician,” one commuter commented.

“Here is some constructive feedback which will be supported by a number of commuters. NO! Just No! We just want peace and quiet on our commute home,” another person said.

A third person tweeted: “I’d hate this if I’m on public transport. Quiet and smooth commute is the best commute. Come on PTV, you got to be better!”

Meanwhile others called for PTV to put its money towards more frequent services at a cheaper rate as a “more practical” alternative to enticing Melburnians to use public transport.

“As a daily commuter, what I really want is a Myki fare that costs less than what I would spend on petrol doing the same trip. Is it really that much to ask?” a young Melburnian asked.

“PTV rarely runs on time, is overcrowded, often breaks down, and it costs me as much (or more) than equivalent car travel.”

“Handing out free travel passes would put a smile on plenty of faces,” another person suggested.

But not all commuters were as negative, with some suggesting there should be more performances on trains.

“I‘m really sad that I missed out on this. I love a good singalong. Maybe we need to have special trams and trains designated for ‘could randomly burst into song at any moment’,” one Melbourne mum suggested.

“The party poopers will just have to wait for the next one. Lol.”

PTV invited the choir group to sing at stations, bus stops, on trains and on trams. Picture: @ptv_official / Twitter

News.com.au has contacted PTV for comment.

Commuters can expect to see and experience “plenty more surprises” this chilly season, with PTV kicking off its “Winter of Wonders” over the next three months.

“The fun starts when your journey begins. Keep your eyes peeled for lighthearted happenings coming your way on Melbourne’s transport network this season,” a statement on PTV’s website reads.

Originally published as ‘Just no!’: PTV’s ‘playful surprise’ on Melbourne train frustrates commuters