TfL is looking for 1,000 people to trial the new badges and cards for six weeks to assess whether they actually help secure a seat, and gauge how the rest of the public react.
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London Mayor and general good-bloke, Sadiq Khan, has said that “the new steps map will encourage more of us to walk these short journeys instead – it’s good for our health and it will help support London’s small businesses”.
Currently Transport For London [TFL] provides expectant mothers with “baby on board” badges so other commuters can offer to give up their seat without having to ask awkward questions.
The new guide was created by Transport for London (TfL) to complement its Walking Tube map, which was launched past year to show walking times between stations.
They’re part of a trial which is giving disabled passengers and people with hidden conditions, illnesses and injuries a badge, to alert fellow passengers of their need for a seat on public transport. “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”.
One passenger who is excited about the news is cancer patient James McKnaught, who told the BBC that he had created his own “cancer on board” badge while travelling from his home to chemotherapy treatment.
If you’re someone with an illness or condition that makes it harder for you to stand on public transport, you can sign up to the trial over on the TFL site. “A badge and card could help make a real difference to the lives of people undergoing drug treatment or with longer term conditions or disabilities”.
Transport for London has said the badges will be similar to the “baby on board-style” accessories which are now in use.
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“Any customer interested in taking part can get in touch with the research agency 2CV, who is working with us on the trial, by emailing [email protected]”.
