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TfL ‘Please Offer Me a Seat’ badges to be rolled out following successful trial

Posted: 22 December 2016 | Katie Sadler, Intelligent Transport | No comments yet

Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed it is to roll out its ‘Please Offer Me a Seat’ blue badge and card initiative following a successful six-week trial.

TfL ‘Please Offer Me a Seat’ blue badges to be rolled out following successful trial

Credit: TfL

Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed it is to roll out its ‘Please Offer Me a Seat’ blue badge and card initiative following a successful six-week trial.

TfL ‘Please Offer Me a Seat’ blue badges to be rolled out following successful trial

Credit: TfL

TfL is to introduce its blue ‘Please Offer Me a Seat’ badge on a permanent basis following a successful trial in which 1,200 people with invisible impairments took part. The blue badge and accompanying card were trialled in September this year to help those who need a seat, but have difficulty getting one. The six-week trial was in response to passenger feedback and TfL research, which found that those with hidden disabilities and conditions, or those undergoing treatments, can often find it difficult to get a seat when they need one. The blue badge and card will be introduced from spring next year.

72 percent of journeys were said to be easier as a result of the ‘Please Offer Me a Seat’ blue badge

During the trial, 72 percent of journeys were said to be easier as a result of the blue badge, which are similar to the popular Baby on Board badges. In 86 per cent of journeys participants reported feeling more confident when asking for a seat and 98 per cent said they would recommend the badge and card to somebody who requires or would benefit from it.

“I’m really looking forward to the blue badges becoming as recognisable on public transport as our hugely successful Baby on Board ones”

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, commented on the introduction: “I’m proud that Londoners embraced this innovative trial and that Londoners wearing the badges found travelling around our Capital easier as a result. It’s great news that next year we will be able to offer them to all those with hidden disabilities and conditions, and I’m really looking forward to the blue badges becoming as recognisable on public transport as our hugely successful Baby on Board ones.”

Reacting to the announcement, Alan Benson, Chair of Transport for All, said: “Transport for All are pleased to hear the please offer me a seat trial was successful and TfL and the Mayor will be launching it next year. While this will help many customers, there will be those who don’t want to use a badge and card. We want to see those people supported too, and for everyone to get a seat who needs one.”

TfL ‘Please Offer Me a Seat’ badges to be rolled out following successful trial

Credit: TfL

Mike Brown MVO, London’s Transport Commissioner, added: “This trial has made a real difference to people with invisible impairments, conditions and injuries who find it difficult to get a seat when they need one. It is part of our commitment to constantly improve the network for all our customers and we will launch the badge and card permanently next spring, once a thorough review of the findings of the trial is complete.” 

Once launched, TfL will become the first European transport provider to officially recognise invisible impairments and conditions in such a way.

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