TfL Launches Blue Badge on Buses and Tubes

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1,000 people try out scheme to help less able people get a seat

Transport for London has launched a new Blue Badge for disabled people and those with hidden conditions to help them get a seat on buses and trains.

The badges are being given to 1,000 people as part of European-first six-week trial across the TfL network.

The trial of the badges, which are similar to the popular Baby on Board versions, began on Monday September 12 and TfL is still looking for volunteers to take part.

It follows passenger feedback and TfL research that found people with hidden disabilities and conditions, or those undergoing treatments, can find it difficult to get a seat when they need one - particularly if their need isn't obvious.

TfL says it is using social media and customer information to encourage Londoners to offer their seat to someone with a badge.

If the trial is successful the badge will be made available more widely later this year, with customers able to request them from TfL in a similar way that they request a Baby on Board badge via the website.

TfL's Baby on Board badge launched in 2005 to help pregnant women get a seat on public transport and TfL now issues around 310,000 badges a year.

If you are interested in taking part in the trial, contact tfltrial@2cv.com. For more information on TfL's work in this area, visit its pages on accessibility.