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The badge is designed to be worn by those who may require seating on public transport across the TfL network, whether due to long or short-term conditions. As up to 80% of disabilities are not visible, the badge increases accessibility and reduces social friction by politely requesting other travellers to offer their seat to the wearer. \r\n\r\nThe badge is circular, featuring the white text of ‘Please offer me a seat’ and white TfL logo against a blue background. Designed in-house by TfL, the blue used is TfL’s corporate blue, but which also ties the badge into global accessibility design due to its similarity to the blue used in the International Symbol of Access. The TfL design team chose to use a colour palette from their existing scheme that was calm and neutral. This makes it an appropriate choice for an accessibility tool that aims to be non-stigmatising and communication focused. Additionally, the blue and white provide strong contrast, improving visibility and readability. \n\r\nThe badge is fastened using a safety pin, but TfL additionally offers clip badges for those who might struggle with the safety pin. \r\nThe card uses the same blue as the badge with white text that reads ‘Please offer me a seat.’ Below, in a smaller font size is white text that reads ‘Remember not all impairments and conditions are visible.’  Along the left side of the card is a tactile indent, allowing blind and low vision users of the card to feel what direction the card is facing. \n\r\nTfL introduced the badge and card in 2017 following reports from disabled travellers that they found it difficult to find a seat on Tube and Bus services, causing undue discomfort and pain.  James McNaught was inspired by the popular TfL Baby on Board! badge, and designed his own ‘Cancer on board’ badge when undergoing treatment for cancer. Radiotherapy targeted his throat, leaving him unable to speak, and the morphine made him appear drunk. As a result, he often struggled to find or request a seat. James’ story caught the attention of TfL, and he was included in the 2016 trial. \n\nTfL issued 26,000 POMAS in 2017 and had issued over 180,000 by 2025. Since its introduction, TfL has carried out surveys evaluating the impact of the scheme with 78% of users finding it easier to get a seat as a result of the badge and with 95% of users being likely to recommend the scheme to someone who needs it. The scheme’s success has led to the introduction of similar badges across the UK and internationally. Some users of the badge have, however, faced adversity and questioning. In a 2025 BBC News story, Liz Jackson explained how they were threatened when requesting a seat, leading other users with invisible disabilities to share their own negative experiences. Most often questioned are young and those who appear non-disabled. An accompanying TfL leaflet reminds users of the ‘badge that they are not required to produce proof of their disability when they are asked by another traveller. In addition, TfL does not ask customers requesting a badge for their medical history or supporting evidence from a doctor, helping to reduce barriers to access.\r\n","physicalDescription":"","artistMakerPerson":[],"artistMakerOrganisations":[{"name":{"text":"Transport for London","id":"C8502"},"association":{"text":"manufacturer","id":"x33306"},"note":""}],"artistMakerPeople":[],"materials":[],"techniques":[],"materialsAndTechniques":"","categories":[{"text":"Accessories","id":"THES48998"},{"text":"Urbanism","id":"THES270076"},{"text":"Disability","id":"THES268732"},{"text":"Transport","id":"THES48881"}],"styles":[],"collectionCode":{"text":"DAD","id":"THES260586"},"images":["2025PL0077","2025PK7214","2025PL0078","2025PL0074","2025PL0073"],"imageResolution":"high","galleryLocations":[{"current":{"text":"74","id":"THES49720"},"free":"","case":"CA005","shelf":"","box":""},{"current":{"text":"LVLD","id":"THES49658"},"free":"","case":"DR","shelf":"119","box":""},{"current":{"text":"LVLD","id":"THES49658"},"free":"","case":"DR","shelf":"119","box":""}],"partTypes":[[{"text":"badge","id":"AAT193994"}],[{"text":"card","id":"x30344"}],[{"text":"pamphlet","id":"AAT220572"}]],"contentWarnings":[{"apprise":"","note":""}],"placesOfOrigin":[],"productionDates":[{"date":{"text":"2017","earliest":"2017-01-01","latest":"2017-12-31"},"association":{"text":"designed","id":"x29338"},"note":""}],"associatedObjects":[],"creditLine":"Given by Transport for London","dimensions":[{"dimension":"Diameter","value":"5.5","unit":"cm","qualifier":"","date":{"text":"","earliest":null,"latest":null},"part":"badge","note":""},{"dimension":"Height","value":"5.4","unit":"cm","qualifier":"","date":{"text":"","earliest":null,"latest":null},"part":"card","note":""},{"dimension":"Length","value":"8.5","unit":"cm","qualifier":"","date":{"text":"","earliest":null,"latest":null},"part":"card","note":""},{"dimension":"Length","value":"21","unit":"cm","qualifier":"","date":{"text":"","earliest":null,"latest":null},"part":"pamphlet","note":"folded"},{"dimension":"Width","value":"9.8","unit":"cm","qualifier":"","date":{"text":"","earliest":null,"latest":null},"part":"pamphlet","note":"folded"},{"dimension":"Length","value":"21","unit":"cm","qualifier":"","date":{"text":"","earliest":null,"latest":null},"part":"pamphlet","note":"unfolded"},{"dimension":"Width","value":"29.2","unit":"cm","qualifier":"","date":{"text":"","earliest":null,"latest":null},"part":"pamphlet","note":"unfolded"}],"dimensionsNote":"","marksAndInscriptions":[],"objectHistory":"","historicalContext":"","briefDescription":"\"Please offer me a seat\" badge with its accompanying card and information pamphlet, designed by Transport for London (TfL) in 2017.","bibliographicReferences":[],"production":"","productionType":{"text":"","id":""},"contentDescription":"","contentPlaces":[],"associatedPlaces":[],"contentPerson":[],"associatedPerson":[],"contentOrganisations":[],"associatedOrganisations":[],"contentPeople":[],"associatedPeople":[],"contentEvents":[],"associatedEvents":[],"contentOthers":[],"contentConcepts":[],"contentLiteraryRefs":[],"galleryLabels":[],"partNumbers":["CD.16:1-2025","CD.16:2-2025","CD.16:3-2025"],"accessionNumberNum":"16","accessionNumberPrefix":"CD","accessionYear":2025,"otherNumbers":[],"copyNumber":"","aspects":["WHOLE"],"assets":[],"recordModificationDate":"2026-08-24","recordCreationDate":"2025-07-31","availableToBook":false}}