‘Please offer me a seat’ badges introduced on London Transport network
BADGES for people with hidden health conditions have been introduced across London's public transport network.
New badges have been introduced across London’s public transport network
Transport for London (TfL) has made the badges and accompanying cards permanently available after a successful trial in autumn last year.
They can be used on all TfL services including London Underground, buses, trams and river services, as well as on station platforms and in waiting areas.
Some 1,200 passengers tested the "Please offer me a seat" badges during the six-week pilot scheme.
Research found that in 86 per cent of journeys, participants reported feeling more confident when asking for a seat.
Everyone who needs the badges and cards can now be obtained through TfL's website.
The initiative is the first of its kind in Europe.
TfL has made the badges and accompanying cards permanently available after a successful trial
The trial proved a great success, with the large majority of people finding the badge improved their journeys
Badges for pregnant women are already in use across the capital.
London mayor Sadiq Khan said: "These blue badges will make a real difference to passengers who need a seat but just haven't felt confident enough to ask for one.
"I've no doubt they'll soon become as recognisable across the capital as our popular Baby on Board badges."
London's transport commissioner Mike Brown expressed his hope that passengers will be looking out for the badges and offering their seats to those in greater need.
Some 1,200 passengers tested the 'Please offer me a seat' badges during the six-week pilot scheme
He said: "The trial proved a great success, with the large majority of people finding the badge improved their journeys. I hope that its permanent introduction will allow more people to travel with ease and in comfort."
James McNaught, who previously developed a Cancer on Board badge and took part in the trial, described it as a "brilliant scheme".
He went on: "The anxiousness of needing a seat but being unsure whether you will get one can rob people of the confidence to use public transport, and this simple initiative will make a huge difference to the lives of many people."