Livingstone launches new Tube priority seating

Just heard on Heart FM that Ken Livingstone will be launching a new priority seating initiative for pregnant women who use the Tube. Apparently this is happening at lunchtime at High Street Kensington London Underground station.

The current Baby on Board badges

New priority seating stickers will be rolled out throughout the Underground from March 10 to ask passengers to give up their seat for pregnant women, as well as people with disabilities or less able to stand. This is the first time that pregnant women have been included in the signs.


The Tube's research has found that a third of pregnant women travelling on the Tube are never offered a seat, and that mums-to-be can wait for an average of five stops to be offered a seat.

Louise Silverton, deputy general secretary of the Royal College of Midwives, said: “We welcome this new campaign for priority seating stickers, which now includes pregnant women. By encouraging passengers to give up their seats for pregnant women, the campaign will reduce stress and anxiety levels for pregnant women travelling on public transport.”

Angela Back, the Metropolitan Line's General Manager added:

"Many pregnant women are often reluctant to ask someone to give up their seat, particularly in the early stages of pregnancy. The aim is to help make it easier for pregnant women to get a seat on the Tube at a time when they need it without the embarrassment of needing to ask someone to give up their seat. The onus is now on customers to keep an eye out for anyone in their carriage who might have a greater need for a seat."