Commuters across Britain’s public transport network are being encouraged to do something that many find unnatural in order to lift their moods.
A social experiment conducted by the BBC on Friday asked passengers to strike up conversations with strangers as they travelled on the network.
"Chat carriages" were designated on Virgin West Coast trains running between London, Manchester and Glasgow.
On Arriva buses, passengers were given “conversation starter” cards and invited to “share a smile” with fellow riders.
Others that took part included the Go Ahead group, which includes Southern and Southeastern trains, Transport for London and National Express coaches.
Counsellors from the charity Relate were on many London buses encouraging people to open up.
Research by behavioural scientists Nicholas Epley and Juliana Schroeder found while many believe sitting in silence staring at their phones is the key to a happy commute, striking up a conversation with a fellow passenger is what actually leads to people enjoying their trip.
The 2014 study conducted in Chicago found people typically underestimate the positive impact of making conversation.
In a blog for the BBC Dr Epley wrote: “The experience of talking with others and hearing a stranger’s voice makes us realise they have a rich inner life of thoughts, feelings, emotions, and experiences, just like us.
“These brief connections with strangers are not likely to turn a life of misery into one of bliss.
“However, they can change unpleasant moments, like the grind of a daily commute, into something more pleasant.”
But, he warned to be mindful of not being intrusive.
"We’d like to inspire adults to think about who might enjoy a conversation and talk to them, while being mindful of not being intrusive. Does anyone around you need help carrying a pram or luggage up the stairs?" he said.
Friday’s experiment is organised by the BBC as part of their Crossing Divides season aimed at tackling polarization and isolation.
