Provide an "Invisible Disability" badge similar to the "Baby on Board" badge.

Provide an "Invisible Disability" badge similar to the "Baby on Board" badge.

The Issue

We're Londoners - we don't like talking to strangers on public transport. But if you have MS, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, epilepsy, or any number of other medical issues that can't be seen, but which impair mobility or cause pain or fatigue, sometimes it would be nice to have a seat on the Tube.  TfL already thoughtfully provides a "Baby on Board" badge, to allow pregnant women to let other commuters know they'd like to be offered a seat - wouldn't it be great if there was an "Invisible Disability" badge as well?

A friend of mine with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome said she'd "wear it with pride," and another friend with lupus said it would be "wonderful."

TfL, please - provide an "Invisible Disability" badge and let Londoners who need it maintain their urban solitude AND get a seat at rush hour!

avatar of the starter
Margaret Pritchard HoustonPetition Starter
Media enquiries
This petition had 1,014 supporters

The Issue

We're Londoners - we don't like talking to strangers on public transport. But if you have MS, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, epilepsy, or any number of other medical issues that can't be seen, but which impair mobility or cause pain or fatigue, sometimes it would be nice to have a seat on the Tube.  TfL already thoughtfully provides a "Baby on Board" badge, to allow pregnant women to let other commuters know they'd like to be offered a seat - wouldn't it be great if there was an "Invisible Disability" badge as well?

A friend of mine with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome said she'd "wear it with pride," and another friend with lupus said it would be "wonderful."

TfL, please - provide an "Invisible Disability" badge and let Londoners who need it maintain their urban solitude AND get a seat at rush hour!

avatar of the starter
Margaret Pritchard HoustonPetition Starter
Media enquiries

The Decision Makers

Transport For London
Transport For London
Responded
“Thank you for your feedback about an ‘Invisible Disability’ badge. We’d like everybody that needs a seat to be able to access one. All buses, Tubes, trains and trams have clearly marked priority seats, but we do recognise that sometimes people don’t offer these up to those in need – especially if their need isn’t obvious. We understand that asking for a seat can sometimes be difficult. At the moment we’re running a campaign to encourage customers to show more consideration for their fellow passengers by giving up their seat to those less able to stand. You may have noticed our poetry posters; audio and visual announcements on board or at stations; or social media and online posts featuring a ‘priority seats’ message. Since 2012 our Travel Support Card has also helped people with hidden disabilities to communicate with staff. We know there’s more to do and this year we’ll be considering your feedback and talking to groups representing people with hidden disabilities to come up with a plan to make it easier for everyone who needs a seat to get one. Yours sincerely Transport for London ”
Transport for London Accessibility
Transport for London Accessibility

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Petition created on 27 March 2014