Southern Railway has become the first operator in the country to launch a priority seat card for travellers with disabilities, expectant mothers, elderly passengers or those carrying infants.
The card works in conjunction with the designated priority seats on Southern trains, which can be used by all travellers but should be given up if needed by qualifying passengers.
Southern says the launch of the card (following a six-month trial involving 160 passengers) avoids the embarrassment of passengers having to explain why they should be able to use a priority seat, where the need is not obvious, for instance those in the early stages of pregnancy.
The new Priority Seat card will be available upon application, and those qualifying for a card can use it on any Southern service. For more information on the scheme visit southernrailway.com/priority.
Report by Mark Caswell
Do you think it was necessary for Southern to introduce the Priority Seat Card? Would you apply for the card? Have your say at businesstraveller.com/discussion.