Transport for London (TfL) has announced that the “ladies and gentlemen” greeting on Tube announcements is to be scrapped. Tube workers have been told to stop using the term and instead use “good morning everyone’ in announcements to customers in a bid to become more gender- neutral.
All new pre-recorded announcements are to be changed to the new phrases, this coming after months of campaigning by LGBTQ+ activists who called on London Mayor Sadiq Khan to change the “outdated” language used on trains and buses.
Mark Evers, the TfL’s head of customer strategy, said the move is aimed at ensuring everyone feels at ease when taking public transport.
"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," he added.
Campaign groups have lauded TfL, saying terms such as ladies, gentlemen, sir and madam may be polite but are outdated.
A spokesman for Stonewall, a charity group which champions for the rights of lesbian, gay, bi and trans people also supported TfL’s decision.
He 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.”
Mr. Khan, while speaking at Mayor’s Question Time TfL was keen on providing an inclusive transport service, seeing as it serves a vibrant, diverse and multicultural city.
He added: “I am aware however, that some customers may not relate to or feel comfortable with the way that certain station announcements are made.
“I am keen that TfL addresses these concerns by speaking in a more neutral way when referring to gender.
“TfL has briefed its staff on this, though from time to time, well-meaning staff may still use the term 'ladies and gentlemen'. If this happens frequently, TfL will issue reminders to staff.
“Revised phrasing will be applied to new pre-recorded announcements made across the network.”