TfL launch ‘please offer me a seat’ badge

Badges for people with hidden health problems have been launched across the Transport for London (TfL) network, following a successful trial by 1,200 people in September 2016. The blue “please offer me a seat” badge and additional card obtainable via the TfL website aims to help people with hidden illnesses and conditions, that make it difficult for them to stand, get a seat on the Tube and make travelling easier.

During the six week trail, more than 72 per cent of journeys were found to be easier as a result of the badge, and 98 per cent of people taking part in the trial said they would recommend it to somebody who needed it.

There is no set definition of conditions that qualify for the badge and card, but TfL say the system will be based on trust - as with the existing "Baby on Board" badge scheme. TfL won't ask customers requesting the badge or accompanying card for their medical history or supporting evidence from a doctor.

The scheme was created, TfL said, in response to comments from its customers who struggled to get a seat because their need was not obvious.

The badge will be usable across all TfL services, spanning the London Underground, London Overground, TfL Rail, as well as on station platforms or waiting areas.

Mayor of London, 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."

Mike Brown, London’s transport commissioner, said: “I hope that its permanent introduction will allow more people to travel with ease and in comfort. As they become more widely recognised, more and more customers will be looking out for the blue badges and I hope offering their seat to fellow passengers with a greater need.”

James McNaught, who took part in the trial, previously made his own "cancer on board" badge after chemotherapy on his throat left him unable to speak and doses of morphine made him appear drunk.

He said: "This is a brilliant scheme and I am very glad that it is being introduced by the mayor.

"The anxiousness of needing a seat but being unsure whether you will get one can rob people of the confidence to use public transport.

"This simple initiative will make a huge difference to the lives of many people."

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