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Original poster

Will priority seating ever be just that?

30 replies

EachandEveryone · 29/08/2024 18:34

Will there ever be anyone to monitor it? It’s jus t impossible, isn’t it. I get sick of relying on the kindness of strangers that can see I’m not well. And they are never sat in the priority seats. Like tonight coming home on the tube my leg is fat and throbbing chemo due in Monday which I hope will shift it. All four priority seats in carriage are taken. I mean what are the chances of all four people needing priority seating when they look like they’ve just left the office? And I absolutely understand not all disability is visible which is why I would never say anything. The bus is even worse. There isn’t an answer is there?

OP posts:
Soubriquet · 29/08/2024 18:36

Busy time and only 4 seats means there is a high chance they are needed. You’re not the only person in the world who require a priority seating

I am sorry you’re going through chemo though

ComtesseDeSpair · 29/08/2024 18:39

I think it would be a bit daft for seats to be left empty on a busy train just in case somebody comes along who is disabled or ill. They’re priority seats, so it’s fine to ask whoever is in them to let you sit if they don’t need to, as you have priority.

dinmin · 29/08/2024 18:46

Do you have a “please offer me a seat” badge?

blackcherryconserve · 29/08/2024 18:51

Ask for one of the seats. I do.

Mumistiredzzzz · 29/08/2024 18:55

If you want the seat just ask.

coffeeandsleep · 29/08/2024 18:59

Yes I think wear one of those badges if you can, it may help. The seats shouldn’t be left empty just in case, but anyone who is able to offer should, but it’s not always obvious when someone is in need of a seat

LadyKenya · 29/08/2024 19:07

In answer to your question, no, I highly doubt the seats would ever be monitored. How would that even work in theory? As has been mentioned, you could choose to wear a badge, and see if that makes a difference.

mitogoshi · 29/08/2024 19:10

Not all disability is obvious. I have fibromyalgia, I look "normal" but if I have a flare up I'm in a lot of pain.

1apenny2apenny · 29/08/2024 19:10

There are 2 issues in our society:

Unfortunately the world and his wife seems to be priority these days and no-one seems to be able think both kindly and critically. When someone has a physical disability others seem to believe their 'hidden' disability, that allows them to actually stand, is the same somehow.

Secondly societal breakdown means that there are people who will sit in a priority seat even though they don't qualify and woe. betide anyone who questions them - you'll get a mouthful if not more.

There's a distinct lack of respect these days sadly.

Sirzy · 29/08/2024 19:12

As much as I understand not wanting to I think your best bet is to do a general “is anyone able to offer me a seat, I’m really struggling” - If people don’t know you need the seat then unless you look visibly disabled then they are unlikely to offer the seat.

Posing · 29/08/2024 19:14

Do you make it obvious you need it? A lot of people are engrossed in their phones or are staring into space. I try not to sit in those seats but if I do I keep an eye out.

If you stand in front of me, I am likely to offer, if you just glance across and move away may not realise. I am 61, without any special needs but would be a bit insulted if someone thought I was ill enough to need a seat.

Nadeed · 29/08/2024 19:14

1apenny2apenny · 29/08/2024 19:10

There are 2 issues in our society:

Unfortunately the world and his wife seems to be priority these days and no-one seems to be able think both kindly and critically. When someone has a physical disability others seem to believe their 'hidden' disability, that allows them to actually stand, is the same somehow.

Secondly societal breakdown means that there are people who will sit in a priority seat even though they don't qualify and woe. betide anyone who questions them - you'll get a mouthful if not more.

There's a distinct lack of respect these days sadly.

I agree with this.

Nonametonight · 29/08/2024 19:15

Just ask - "excuse me, do you need priority seats? Only I'm having a hard time standing up"

longdistanceclaraclara · 29/08/2024 19:21

If there are no their seats I'll sit in the priority seat. As soon as anyone asked or I noticed someone needed it I'd be up.

Bags are pointless. Same as baby on board. I used to ask for a seat when I needed it.

LadyKenya · 29/08/2024 19:21

Yes, I agree with what Sirzy said. A non-targeted request is what I would do personally.

Sethera · 29/08/2024 19:22

I think it's unrealistic to expect the seats to be left empty when the train is full and people are standing - space is at a premium on a crowded train and leaving seats empty would just make it worse.

People should be willing to give up seats for others who need them more, whether priority or not but I don't think they offer unless it's obvious there is a need.

MrsTerryPratchett · 29/08/2024 19:25

I sat in a priority seat the other day. Complete brain fart and fortunately DD (in a horrified tone) told me.

I was happy to move when DD told me and I'd have been happy to move if asked. Sometimes people me can be oblivious.

Fupoffyagrasshole · 29/08/2024 19:27

you need to ask! I do it all the time when I get on with toddler and baby in carrier and it’s busy I just ask loudly and friendly - sorry would anyone mind if we sat down please and I’ve never not been offered a seat! I asked when I was pregnant too and always got seats

priority seats can be used by anyone - you just are meant to give them up for someone who needs it if they get on

Balloonhearts · 29/08/2024 19:36

How CAN they monitor it though? Would you be happy with a random stranger on a train asking you to explain why you are ill/disabled enough to sit there?

RobinHood19 · 29/08/2024 19:38

If I see an empty seat or I’m tired, I sit down. If someone in visible need of it gets on (pregnant, elderly, parent with small child…) I obviously offer the seat and get up. I also happily move when asked to do so.

You need to ask, or if in London, wear a badge and say “excuse me”.

TidyDancer · 29/08/2024 19:39

Honestly the answer is to ask, isn't it?

Gribbit987 · 29/08/2024 19:45

MrsTerryPratchett · 29/08/2024 19:25

I sat in a priority seat the other day. Complete brain fart and fortunately DD (in a horrified tone) told me.

I was happy to move when DD told me and I'd have been happy to move if asked. Sometimes people me can be oblivious.

You’re allowed to sit in priority seating! You didn’t need to move.

Keeping seats free “just in case” is crazy when the tubes are as crowded as they are.

However, I can see no reason why a bus or tube couldn’t have a request button to alleviate confrontation. Message then says “a priority passenger needs a seat. Please make a priority seat available for them” and flashes on the display as well.

Physical monitoring is ridiculous. But an automated system could quite easily deal with the issue.

LadyKenya · 29/08/2024 19:47

Balloonhearts · 29/08/2024 19:36

How CAN they monitor it though? Would you be happy with a random stranger on a train asking you to explain why you are ill/disabled enough to sit there?

It would be unworkable. They have no conductor as such on the underground trains anyway. And yes, some people would not want to disclose why they need the seat in the first place.

eurochick · 29/08/2024 20:24

You can sit in priority seats if no one needs them! You just need to be alert to someone who might visibly need the seat so you can offer it to them and be prepared to give up the seat if someone requests it.

I avoid them so I can zone out on my commute but if they are the only seats left I will sit in one but be ready to give it up if needed. They are never left free on my commuter trains.

AngryBookworm · 29/08/2024 20:47

As others have said, it's priority seating, not reserved seating - anyone can sit there but they have to move for someone who needs it more. If you're afraid to ask (fair enough) you can get a 'Please offer me a seat' badge from TfL (also shows that you do need the priority seat if you're in it). It's not reasonable to expect Tube passengers at peak times, when trains are so full people literally can't get on, to leave those seats empty.