We all tend to keep to ourselves on public transport nowadays. Even so, no mum-to-be should have to struggle through the crowds only to be denied a seat and forced to stand for their entire journey...

I am currently four months’ pregnant with a barely-showing bump and my daily Metrolink commute would be much less hard-going if there was an easy way for me to ensure that all my fellow passengers were aware that I’m expecting.

Women who travel on the London Underground can apply for a free ‘Baby on board’ badge, and they’ve become a familiar sight for regular Tube users. Whether you’re four weeks or eight months gone, displaying a huge bump or nothing at all, these badges provide a clear indication to everyone that you’re pregnant and therefore might well appreciate a seat, or at the very least a little more breathing space. By all accounts this simple idea has had a hugely positive impact, especially for women going through a difficult first trimester.

I would like to see Transport for Greater Manchester introduce a similar, network-wide ‘Baby on board’ badge scheme so that all mums-to-be can use the city’s public transport in relative comfort, without having to worry about getting squashed or jostled.

As Manchester’s famously proud to be England’s ‘second city’, we should follow the Capital’s example and hopefully set a nationwide trend in the process.

Please sign to show your support, and then share this petition with others.

You can read more about my own pregnancy-related trouble on the trams here: http://aplaceinprestwich.com/2015/01/26/dear-metrolink/