A step in the right direction.
The National Transport Authority has this weekend launched ‘Baby On Board’ badges for expectant mothers to wear on public transport after a successful trial period on Iarnród Éireann.
All public transport operators including Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, Go-Ahead, Luas and Iarnród Éireann are united in their participation for this new initiative, aimed at pregnant mothers.
The service aims to offer expectant women a discreet and universal means of communicating that they may be in greater need of a seat during their commute.
The free badge will be available for collection at many public transport locations nationwide, a list of which will be available at the Transport for Ireland website.
Seventeen of the twenty maternity hospitals in Ireland will dispense the badges with the Pregnancy Information Pack collected at their first scheduled hospital appointment.
“With the increase in the number of passengers availing of public transport, travelling by bus, rail or tram can prove a very real challenge for mums-to-be,” Anne Graham, CEO of the NTA, said whilst unveiling the campaign.
“Despite the busy daily commute, we encourage passengers to be mindful of each other and support those who may have extra requirements when travelling.
“Having a Baby on Board badge will make it a lot easier for expectant mothers by letting other passengers know that you have a very good reason to need a seat,” she said.
“It also makes the situation clearer for fellow passengers by removing any confusion. We hope the public will get on board and voluntarily participate in this campaign.”
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