The new design will be seen on all new priority seats across the TfL network.
This is to ensure that customers can identify a priority seat more easily.
The new design will feature the words “This is a priority seat” on the seats.
This matches the appearance of “Please offer me a seat” badges and the Government’s Blue Badge scheme.
The new look also aligns with the priority seating design already in place on the Jubilee line.
The new design will be rolled out across the Elizabeth line, DLR, and Piccadilly trains, as well as on refurbished Central and Waterloo & City line trains.
The seats will retain their distinct striped pattern, but the colour scheme will be changed from purple to blue.
This is to help people, especially those with visual impairments, differentiate between the two types of seat.
The new initiative was launched as part of TfL’s seventh annual Priority Seating Week.
This year, TfL is encouraging customers to be more aware of their surroundings and offer their seat to those who may need it more.
This includes individuals with non-visible health conditions who may not always have a “Please offer me a seat” badge, Sunflower lanyard, or similar.
Seb Dance, deputy mayor for transport, said: “TfL’s striking new seat design will make priority seating easier to spot, and act as a reminder for everyone to consider their fellow passengers.
“Not all disabilities are visible so, as TfL launches Priority Seating Week, we’re asking all Londoners to keep this in mind, and offer their seat to those who may need it more than them.”
Mark Evers, TfL’s chief customer officer, said: “Our new seat design will make it much more obvious to customers which seats on our services are priority seats, making it easier both for people who need a seat and for those who can offer one.
“We know that Londoners are compassionate and understanding towards others, and we’re reminding all those who can offer a seat to look up and keep an eye out for people who might need it more.”
As part of Priority Seating Week, public announcements will play on buses, DLR, Elizabeth line, London Overground, and London Underground networks.
A “Travel Kind – Please offer your seat” poster will be displayed across the network.
“Please offer me a seat” badges will be handed out on the DLR and London Overground, with “Here to help” stalls on the Elizabeth line.
Information about Priority Seating Week will also be shared in customer emails and on social media, marked with #TfLTravelKind.
Allison Peter, deputy chair of TfL’s independent Disability Advisory Group (IDAG), said: “Priority seats are essential for many disabled people, including those with non-visible conditions, as well as older people.
“They play a vital role in enabling people to travel with confidence and stay connected in London.”
TfL is also taking other steps to make the transport network as accessible as possible.
Knightsbridge Underground station in central London has become the 93rd station on the Tube network to offer step-free access.
A new accessible toilet also opened last week at White Hart Lane station on the London Overground’s Weaver line, with another opening shortly at Seven Sisters London Overground station.
Amersham, Clapton and Morden were confirmed as the next stations on the TfL network to get new accessible toilet facilities.
