Is there really any need to put rules on piped music on public transport onto the statute books?

Presumably not - but obviously the government disagrees..

http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/ld200506/ldbills/100/06100.1-i.html

How very silly!

And the rules are very weird.
If the journey is exactly 50 miles you can do what you like.
If it's over 50 miles, the operator can play piped music, but if you listen to music you have to wear headphones

A friend of mine just pointed out that taken literally - this means when they put piped music on - you have to put headphones on.... Strange indeed!!