Passengers sitting on busy buses and trains are asked to give up their seat
A new badge has been created to help women pregnant with multiple babies get a seat on public transport. Transport for London (TfL) launched the Babies on Board badge to mark the 20th anniversary of the introduction of the Baby on Board design.
Passengers sitting on busy buses and trains are asked to give up their seat when they see a badge wearer having to stand. More than 80,000 Baby on Board badges are given out every year.
They were launched in March 2006 folowing research that found pregnant women on the Tube were made to stand for an average of five stops before being offered a seat and 35% were never offered a seat. The free badges can be ordered through TfL’s website or collected at the transport body’s visitor centres at major stations.
TfL also has a partnership with retailer John Lewis and fashion brand Uniqlo. Deputy Mayor for transport Seb Dance said asking Londoners to be “mindful of those who may need a seat more than them” is key to making public transport “as accessible as possible”.
TfL customer director Emma Strain said the new badge design will ensure “every expectant parent feels supported and seen”. Shauna Leven, chief executive of charity Twins Trust, said: “We’re thrilled to hear that parents expecting multiples can now get a Babies on Board badge.
“For expectants pregnant with twins, triplets or more, life can be more challenging as they might face a high-risk pregnancy, extreme tiredness and morning sickness.”
