TfL scrap “ladies and gentlemen” to make the tube more gender neutral

As an attempt to make the tube more gender neutral, Transport for London will scrap phrases such as “ladies and gentleman” to make everyone feel more welcome.

All new pre-recorded announcements will include messages such as “good morning everyone”, rather than gender specific announcements that were “polite, but really belonging to yesterday”.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has welcomed the decision, which was campaigned for by many LGBT groups.

“TfL serves a vibrant, diverse and multicultural city, and provision of an inclusive transport service is at the heart of TfL’s purpose.

“I am aware however, that some customers may not relate to or feel comfortable with the way that certain station announcements are made.”

Director of customer strategy at TfL, Mark Evers, said on the change: “We want everyone to feel welcome on our transport network,”

“We have reviewed the language that we use in announcements and elsewhere and will make sure that it is fully inclusive, reflecting the great diversity of London.”

The charity Stonewall, whichchampions the rights of lesbian, gay, bi and trans people said: “Language is extremely important to the lesbian, gay, bi and trans community, and the way we use it can help ensure all people feel included.

“We welcome gender neutral announcements to be rolled out across TfL as it will ensure that everyone – no matter who they identify as – feels accounted for.”

Bernard Reed OBE, a trustee of the Gender Identity Research and Education Society, was happy with the announcement.

“GIRES has been supporting TfL’s efforts to increase trans awareness among its staff,” he said.

“People have a broad spectrum of gender identities, which could be as a man or as a woman (binary) or in between those identities (non-binary) or as non-gender.

“These diverse identities are increasingly recognised and respected within society.”

The news comes after London’s gay pride weekend where 26,000 people came to the streets to celebrate LGBT+ march.