Hearing “Ladies and Gentlemen” on London’s Underground is set to become a thing of the past as Transport for London looks to lose gendered announcements.

London's transport system is going gender neutral

It appears that Transport for London (TfL) is to stop using the term “ladies and gentlemen” to replace with a simple “everyone” on its public announcements. Campaigners have stressed that the gendered term belongs in the past.

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Employees have been told to stop using the term in announcements to passengers and instead use a more inclusive “everyone”.

The change is happening after campaigners appealed to Sadiq Khan, London’s Mayor, to update the policy on announcements.

Mark Evers, TfL’s boss of customer strategy, said the corporation wanted,

“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.”

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Stonewall, the LGBT charity backed the changes saying,

“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.”

Speaking at the Mayor’s Question Time last month, Sadiq explained,

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

“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.”

 

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