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TfL trials “please offer me a seat” badges to passengers less able to stand

Posted: 31 August 2016 | Katie Sadler, Digital Content Producer, Intelligent Transport | 5 comments

In a new trial, blue badges will be issued to disabled passengers and those with hidden conditions, illnesses and injuries to alert fellow passengers of their need for a seat on London’s public transport.

TfL trials “please offer me a seat” badges to passengers less able to stand

In a new trial, blue badges will be issued to disabled passengers and those with hidden conditions, illnesses and injuries to alert fellow passengers of their need for a seat on London’s public transport.

TfL trials “please offer me a seat” blue badges to passengers less able to stand

From 12 September 2016, Transport for London (TfL) will begin trialling “please offer me a seat” blue badges to help passengers who need a seat on public transport, but often have difficulty getting one. The new badges are similar to the popular Baby on Board badges currently used by passengers in London.

1,000 people to be issued with blue badges in trial

TfL is recruiting 1,000 people to take part in the European-first six-week trial to assess how successful it is for passengers to use and the reactions of others. They will also be given a card that can be shown to TfL staff.

The move follows passenger feedback and TfL research which highlighted that those with hidden disabilities and conditions, or those undergoing treatments, can find it difficult to get a seat, particularly if their need isn’t obvious.

If successful, the badges will become more widely available later this year from TfL.

Any customers interested in taking part can get in touch with the research agency 2CV, who are working with TfL on the trial, at [email protected].

“We hope that these new blue badges can make a real difference to those who find it difficult to get a seat when they need one, particularly those with hidden disabilities.”

Commenting on the introduction, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “We hope that these new blue badges can make a real difference to those who find it difficult to get a seat when they need one, particularly those with hidden disabilities. Everyone who travels around London knows about the success of the Baby on Board badges. I want Londoners to embrace our new trial and help these blue badges become as instantly-recognisable, giving confidence to those wearing them on public transport across London.”

Mike Brown MVO, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: “We appreciate that asking for a seat on public transport can sometimes be difficult, particularly for customers who have hidden disabilities or conditions. That is why we are launching this trial, and if it is successful we will work closely with older and disabled people’s organisations to develop the final product. I hope that Londoners help make the trial a success and offer their seat to someone with one of the badges or cards who may be in need.”

Alice Mitchell-Pye, Policy and Research Manager, Leonard Cheshire Disability says: “We are very pleased that Transport for London trialling a scheme to help disabled customers, particularly those with hidden conditions, get a seat on the Tube, trains or buses more easily. Many disabled people find it difficult to use public transport, and for people who have an invisible disability, it can be even more challenging when they can’t get a seat. This small act of consideration from Londoners could make a huge difference to disabled people getting around the city and being fully involved in all London has to offer.”

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