Tracey Emin and TfL raise awareness of passengers with hidden disabilities

Transport for London (TfL) is marking its annual Priority Seating Week from 11 to 17 May with station announcements by artist Dame Tracey Emin, to raise awareness of passengers who may have non-visible disabilities and health conditions.

With more than 13 per cent of Londoners identifying as disabled, it is vital that the capital’s transport network is as fair, accessible and inclusive as possible, says TfL.

The annual Priority Seating Week is there to raise awareness of priority seating across the public transport network in London, and to remind passengers that those with visible or non-visible conditions may need a seat.

Artist Tracey Emin, who currently has an exhibition at Tate Modern highlighting her own experience of cancer and disability, has recorded a station announcement that asks travellers to look up and see if anyone needs a seat more than them — and a reminder that not all health conditions are visible.

“Through my own experiences of cancer, which led me to having a stoma, I know just how much of an impact a health condition or disability can have on something like standing on a train,” says Emin.

“Any one of us can have a health condition or disability, and because many of these don’t have outward cues, that might mean people miss out on things that would really help them like getting a seat on public transport. If you’re out and about in London, please do offer your seat if you don’t need it yourself — you never know what a difference you could make.”

TfL offers a free “Please Offer Me a Seat” badge and card to anyone who needs one, which can be ordered online or over the phone.

“Londoners are kind and compassionate and will so often give up their seats for others, but we can always be more mindful of people when we travel,” says Emma Strain, TfL’s customer director.

“Disabilities and health conditions can affect anyone and vary from person to person, impacting people in ways we might not expect — and in many cases you simply can’t tell someone has one just from their appearance.”

The announcements recorded by Emin will be played at many stations, including Oxford Circus, and Tottenham Court Road.

TfL’s fleet of around 9,000 buses are all wheelchair-accessible, but only around a third of the Tube network has step-free access.

All Elizabeth line stations, DLR and London Trams have step-free access as do half of London Overground stations.

To find out more about the free “Please Offer Me a Seat” badge and order one, visit here or call TfL Customer Services on 0343 222 1234 (call charges may apply).

Tracey Emin: A Second Life is at Tate Modern until 31 August 2026.

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