Priority seat card

You can apply if you can’t stand up safely on the train – for example, if you’re elderly, disabled, pregnant or travelling with a child under three.

You can show the priority card to someone sitting in a priority seat to ask them to give up the seat for you.

Priority seats are supposed to be for passengers who have problems standing, including those with visual impairments and temporary or hidden disabilities.

No, not if the priority seats are already taken by others with priority cards or who otherwise need to sit down.

Priority seats are clearly labelled and usually near the doors.

There will be P signs on the chairs, the windows by the seats and sometimes on the seat covers.

No – not unless you have a First Class ticket.

You can use your card on Great Northern, Gatwick Express, Southeastern, Southern and Thameslink trains.

No, it’s just for people for who are holding a child, not for when the child is going to be in the buggy during the journey.

You won’t. They might show you their card, if they have one. They may still need the seat, even if they don’t have a card.If they don’t give up their seat then try showing your card to someone in another priority seat.

First show your card to everyone in the priority seats in your carriage.

 

If nobody offers you a seat you can try showing your card to passengers in the other seats.

 

If there’s a conductor on board they may be able to help you find a seat on the train.

The card will last for four years, unless you’re pregnant, have a temporary disability or are travelling with a young child. 

• if you are pregnant: the card is valid till two weeks after your due date
• if you have a temporary disability: the card is valid till two weeks after the expected recovery date
• if you are travelling with a child under three: the card is valid till the child’s third birthday

No, you have to use the application form and the postal address to get a card.

Yes, we can help you fill in the form and then send it to you to sign.

 

Call us on 0800 058 2844 if you need help.

Yes, we can send you a large print form or we can talk you through the form over the phone.

 

Call us on 0800 058 2844 if you need help.

You’ll need to apply for another card, and you might have to pay a fee for the replacement.

Report it to the police and let us know as soon as possible. We’ll send you a free replacement once we have confirmation of the theft from the police.

You can call us on 0800 058 2844 or use the textphone number 0800 138 1018.

You can also give us feedback at our meet the manager events.

We’ve introduced the card to help those who find it hard or painful to stand, especially during rush hour. These are the people who will need the seats the most, and we thank you for your help and understanding with this.