New idea could make public transport commuters more compassionate

Snagging a seat on a packed train can be a godsend. But what about people with hidden conditions who are often left standing and suffering in silence on Melbourne’s trains? They’re hoping this idea could make commuters give up their seat.

People with hidden conditions are suffering in silence, forced to stand when they get on packed trains.

Would a card identifying people with invisible conditions persuade Melburnians to give up their seat on the train?

Disability Resource Centre executive officer Kerri Cassidy said having a card or sticker to place on myki cards could empower people with “invisible” conditions — such as multiple sclerosis (MS), fibromyalgia and lupus — to ask for a seat.

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“We’ve found it is generally young women who feel intimidated asking for a seat as they don’t want to have to explain themselves,” Ms Cassidy, who has MS, said.

“A lot of people eventually just suffer in silence.”

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In 2017 Transport for London introduced “Please offer me a seat” badges and cards for people with hidden health conditions.

The "Please offer me a seat" badge used on London’s public transport networks. Supplied: Transport for London

There are now more than 81,000 of the badges and cards in circulation on London’s underground and above ground train networks.

While Victorian health and disability advocacy groups said catching the train was a big issue for people dealing with symptoms such as chronic pain, dizziness, balance problems and low blood pressure, some were concerned such badges could stigmatise people or make them vulnerable.

After reading a Leader article about the issue, Keysborough teenager Anirudh Karthivel cleverly flipped the idea by creating his own “Need a seat? Ask me!” badges to avoid labelling people with disabilities.

Keysborough student Anirudh took a stand with his train badges. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

Ms Cassidy said a discreet card or myki sticker would avoid “labelling” people but give them more confidence to request a priority seat.

Multiple Sclerosis Limited chief executive officer John Blewonski said the condition could cause dizziness, imbalance, fatigue and numbness, which could affect a person’s ability to stand.

“We are supportive of exploring anything that makes travel more accessible for people living with MS and other disabilities,” he said.

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But he said any ideas should be explored with people who would need to use them.

Mr Blewonski said having a card or sticker would remove the awkwardness of having to explain the disease to strangers.

Multiple Sclerosis Limited provides free photo ID cards to people with a confirmed diagnosis who register with the organisation.

“For example, it can be used at a bank to explain why a person’s registered signature may have changed. Sometimes it’s also useful to explain why you may have difficulty with vision, balance, co-ordination or slurring of speech,” Mr Blewonski said.

Disability Advocacy Victoria board member Julie Phillips said some people with disabilities did not want to be labelled as such, and it would be better for passengers to be more aware of their surroundings — particularly if someone was struggling to stand up.

“This is a contentious issue and in the end I think it comes down to better disability awareness,” Ms Phillips said.

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