LIRR Tests Quiet Cars

Long Island Railroad is testing a quiet car program similar to Amtrak's long-running policy. No loud talking and no audible electronic devices will be allowed in the designated cars.

Conductors will give “Shh” cards to passengers who do not comply with the rules but the program will be voluntary. Announcements will remind customers of the location of the quiet carriages, asking them to refrain from using cell phones and other electronic devices and to keep the sound from headphones to a minimum. Talking is allowed in the quiet cars, but conversations must be subdued. Officials will seek feedback to decide whether to make the pilot program a permanent feature.

I've taken Amtrak's so-called quiet car to DC a couple of times. The train was packed and people waddled right in dragging screaming babies.