Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) has launched a ‘Baby On Board’ badge to help identify mums-to-be, so fellow passengers can choose to offer them a seat.
The scheme comes after a pregnant woman raised the issue with the Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street.
A trial of 1000 badges is under way, and TfWM’s customer services team has already reported that demand is high.
Mary Van-Roy wrote to the Mayor when she was in the early stages of pregnancy.
She says: “I was finding pregnancy difficult and I was quite worried about how I’d cope on the train.
“In earlier stages of pregnancy it’s not very obvious if you are pregnant or if that’s your body shape and I thought the introduction of a badge could remove a barrier for somebody who might be willing to give up their seat but not want to cause offence.”
TfWM’s ticketing team developed the badge offer along the lines of similar schemes previously operated in London and Newcastle.
The Mayor says: “I’m grateful to Mary for highlighting this issue – I can see how there could be an awkward situation.
“It isn’t always obvious that someone is expecting and it’s embarrassing to have to ask – so this cuts out any confusion.
“The badge doesn’t guarantee mothers-to-be a seat but we know that most of the travelling public here in the West Midlands are very considerate and happy to give up their place for someone in greater need.”
Mrs Van-Roy said she was delighted with the rapid response from the Mayor and TfWM.
