A ‘blue badge’ scheme which helps disabled bus and Tube passengers alert fellow passengers of their need for a seat was officially launched today.
The ‘Please Offer Me a Seat’ badge is intended for passengers with hidden disabilities and conditions, or who are undergoing treatments, which make it difficult to stand for long periods of time.
More than 1,200 people took part in trials of the badges last year. During the trial 72 per cent of journeys were said to be easier as a result of the badge and, in 86 per cent of journeys, participants reported feeling more confident when asking for a seat.
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 MVO, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: “The Please Offer Me a Seat badge and card demonstrate our commitment to making life easier for all our customers.
“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.
“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.”
