In a troubling revelation, Eliza Rain, a 28-year-old Londoner, shared her distressing experience while using the Transport for London (TfL) 'Please Offer Me A Seat' badge. This system, which celebrates its eighth anniversary this month, was introduced to help individuals with disabilities and chronic health conditions by encouraging fellow passengers to offer their seats when requested. However, the reality for some badge holders has been anything but supportive.

Eliza, who suffers from a chronic pain condition, recounted an alarming incident where another passenger threatened to push her off the train after she politely requested their seat. This shocking behavior highlights the challenges faced by those with invisible disabilities, who often find themselves navigating not only physical barriers but also social stigma when using public transport.

Transport for London has long advocated for the 'Please Offer Me A Seat' badge, which, along with the 'Baby On Board' badges, aims to make commuting more accessible for those in need. This initiative aligns with TfL's broader priority seating scheme, designed to ensure that seats are reserved for individuals with visible or non-visible disabilities, parents with infants, and elderly passengers. Despite these well-intended measures, Eliza's experience paints a stark picture of the day-to-day realities faced by many badge holders.

Having relied on the badge for over four years during her daily commutes, Eliza eventually turned to a wheelchair for public transport. She explained, I couldnt stand without risking a dangerous medical episode; it was just too stressful. Despite holding the badge, she often found herself in situations where passengers refused to relinquish their seats, leading to severe consequences for her health. She recounted times when her need to sit down was met with hostility, including shouts of no from fellow commuters and outright threats, which not only made her commute unbearable but also exacerbated her physical symptoms.

The issue of compliance with the seating scheme has prompted TfL to conduct research into the effectiveness of its priority seating initiative. A survey carried out in early 2024 revealed that in 26% of cases where a disabled passenger requested a seat, those occupying priority seats failed to offer theirs, often unaware that they were in designated priority positions. Many reported a lack of understanding about the importance of these seats, and some passengers were simply not paying attention to their surroundings.

Luke Raggett, another individual who uses the 'Please Offer Me A Seat' badge, has shared similar frustrations. He suffers from polycystic kidney disease and frequently experiences back discomfort and dizziness. He recalled a time when he was poked by a man using a walking stick for sitting in a regular seat on a bus. Luke noted, When you have an invisible disability, its difficult for others to see your need for a seat unless they are made aware. While he has had positive interactions where people willingly gave up their seats, he still faces challenges in gaining the attention of fellow passengers.

Mark Evers, TfL's Chief Customer Officer, responded to these incidents by expressing deep regret for the distress caused to individuals like Eliza and Luke. He emphasized the importance of empathy in public transport environments, stating, This behavior is unacceptable, and these incidents must have been distressing and demoralizing for those involved. While our badges help signal a need for a seat, we encourage everyone to be aware of their surroundings and offer their seats to anyone who appears to need it, regardless of whether they are wearing a badge.

The plight of individuals using the 'Please Offer Me A Seat' badge serves as a poignant reminder of the broader issues surrounding accessibility and awareness within public transportation. As TfL continues its efforts to foster a more inclusive environment, the community is urged to enhance their understanding of invisible disabilities and to approach fellow passengers with kindness and consideration.