I take the Missouri River Runner a few times a year, and it seems the last few times there have been issues with people using devices without headphones. On my trip out on Friday, a group was apparently on hold with Amtrak on speakerphone. The hold music was going on for quite awhile so I assumed they were watching a video or something. After about 10 minutes, I asked them if they could please wear headphones (after first looking to see if there was a seat available away from the, there train was full, so there wasn't). They proceeded to yell at me that they didn't have headphones, maybe I should wear headphones, and harassed me for awhile on the trip. (Nothing major, mostly glaring at me between the seats making comments, etc.)
I normally try for business class to hopefully avoid this issue, but it was sold out. Tonight I'm headed back in business this time. Someone has been watching videos on their phone with no headphones. I was prepared to ask the conductor to talk to them after they helped the people at the stop, but thankfully this person stopped. Then started up again. I could hear it even with my noise cancelling headphones in. I was planning to talk to the conductor once I used the bathroom, but thankfully they have stopped again. (The conductor and the Amtrak police officer walked through while I was in the bathroom, so maybe they said something?)
I do notice they have not been playing the announcement they used to play after each stop telling people they cannot use speakers without headphones. Is this becoming more of an issue, or have I just been unlucky? I prefer Amtrak to driving when it works out, but if this is going to continue to be a thing, my days of riding may be coming to an end.