Tube chat: The new badge encouraging commuters to talk to each other

New badges are being handed out to encourage people to talk to each other on the London Underground.

The Tube Chat pin is supposed to indicate to other commuters that the wearer is happy to have a conversation.

The man behind the badges says he thought handing them out would be "way more fun" than it has been so far.

Jonathan Dunne, who is originally from the US, says it was "difficult" to even get commuters to take one of the free pins.

"Twenty percent think it's nice and about 80% of people think it's terrible, worst idea ever," he tells Newsbeat.

Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed they had nothing to do with the scheme.

An information card given out with the Tube Chat badge tells people they will "benefit from a daily chat".

Tube Chat tweeted out a picture of the badges.

Not every commuter agrees.

Lauren Bravo tweeted: "The worst thing about the #tube_chat badges is that they haven't even CONSIDERED the rest of us, who'll have to listen to it happening."

Geri Reid tweeted: "Imagine if a stranger wearing a badge tried to talk to you on the tube; I'd probably start crying."

Madelaine Hanson tweeted: "The day I willingly talk to anyone on the tube will be the day I have to tell someone that their hat is on fire. #tube_chat"

But some have pointed out that it could help out those who are feeling down or lonely.

Daniel Braddock tweeted: "I think I may be the only one in the world who thinks that #tube_chat is a good idea. I like talking to people. You might learn something..."

"Although the Tube Chat badge sounds like an interesting idea, this isn't an official TfL campaign," a spokesman told Newsbeat.

"We currently only promote two badges to be worn while travelling - our Baby on Board badge and a new trial badge for people with hidden disabilities."

The purpose of these badges is to encourage commuters to give up their seats to other people who may be more in need.

Newsbeat has contacted the Tube Chat organisers but has yet to receive a reply.

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