IN A BID to ensure all passengers “feel welcome”, Transport for London (TFL) has changed the greeting that staff make during tube station announcements.

Instead of beginning every message with the words “ladies and gentlemen”, each announcement will begin with a “hello everyone” instead.

The new phrase will be added to all pre-recorded messages on the UK capital’s extensive underground transport network.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan backed the move, and said that as London was a “vibrant, diverse and multicultural city”, he was keen for the transport network to speak in “a more neutral way”.

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.”

Mark Evers, TFL’s director of customer strategy, said that they 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.

The move was welcomed by LGBT campaign group Stonewall, who said that language is extremely important to its community, and this move would make sure no one felt excluded.

It said: “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.”

Read: British Viscount who offered reward for death of Remain campaigner jailed for 12 weeks

Read: ‘I’m so sorry that you had to leave this way’: Two more Grenfell victims named

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More