You’ve probably seen priority seating signs on our network, but have you ever wondered what they are and why they’re for?
This Priority Seating Week, we’re taking a moment to raise awareness about who can use the seats and why they matter.
What is priority seating? 💺
Priority seats are designed for passengers who may need extra support, like those with visible or non-visible disabilities, older people, and parents with young children, ensuring a more comfortable and accessible travel experience. These seats are typically located near the doors and marked clearly with signage on all our services.
From now on, all new priority seats introduced across the TfL network will include the words ‘This is a priority seat’, which makes the seats more visible to customers, encouraging people to give up their seats for those who may need them more.
New priority seats will look like this 👇
Who can use priority seats? 💺
Many people who need priority seats have conditions that aren’t visible. Here are just a few examples of who they’re meant for:
- People with a disability – whether visible or non-visible (like learning disabilities, chronic illnesses -and they may have a ‘Please Offer me a Seat’ badge on)
- Those who feel unsteady on their feet
- Anyone who needs to sit to travel safely
- Pregnant people
- Older people
- People with temporary injuries (like a broken leg)
If you struggle to stand while using public transport, these seats have been designed for you! There is a free badge and card available to help you alert fellow passengers that you need a seat.
What is the “Please Offer Me A Seat” badge and card? 🪪
The “Please Offer Me A Seat” badge and card were created to help passengers who find it difficult to stand while travelling on public transport. Introduced in 2017, the badge aims to help individuals, especially those with hidden disabilities, conditions, or illnesses, to discreetly indicate their need for a seat.
You can order yours here.
Real experiences: Meet Kate 🤝
Kate, who has learning disabilities, has kindly shared her experience travelling on public transport in London. Her story gives a powerful insight into the importance of priority seating.
Q: What is your disability, and how does it impact your experience travelling on public transport?
A: “I have Down’s Syndrome, and it affects my experience with transport. It’s not always easy for me to get on and off transport. I need support to help me, especially if I have a suitcase. I also need help with understanding when and where to get off, and with planning my journey. What is difficult for me is that I like things in easy-to-read format. The tube stations and maps are very busy, and there are so many different lines. It gets confusing, and I find it hard to know where to go and how to get on the tube.”
Q: Why is it important to have priority seating for people with learning disabilities?
A: “It is very important for people with learning disabilities to have priority seating on transport. We can feel unsafe and anxious, and this can affect our mental health. Having a seat where we feel comfortable and safe helps us ease our stress and worries. We need this support to travel with peace of mind.”
Q: What would make the experience of getting a seat easier for people with non-visible disabilities?
A: “For me, getting a priority seat would be easier if people on transport were more understanding. If they were willing to help me find the priority seat, it would be much easier. For someone with a non-visible disability, it can be harder because people need to give them more time and space. They may need support to help them find the seat and get to it safely.”
Whether you are or are not wearing a “Please Offer Me A Seat” badge, if you need a seat, feel confident enough to ask – TfL supports you.
If you see someone who might need a seat, please offer 🩵🫂
Offering a seat can make someone’s entire journey safer and more comfortable. And if you’re not sure whether someone needs it, a quick, polite “Would you like to sit down?” can go a long way.
Let’s make London’s transport fair, kind, and accessible for everyone
