Priority seating

Need a seat on the train?

Need to sit down on the train, but afraid to ask someone else to give up their seat?

If so, you should apply for our Priority Seating Card and our Priority Seat Badge.

If you want to sit down show this card to another passenger sitting in a priority seat, without causing a fuss or having to explain yourself.

You may need a priority seat if you’re disabled, over 65, pregnant or your child is under three years old.

If you’re pregnant we’ll also send you a ‘Baby on Board’ badge.

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Priority seats

Priority seats are usually near the doors and are marked with a sign showing a ‘P’ inside a blue triangle.

You can find these seats on Southeastern, Southern, Gatwick Express, Great Northern and Thameslink trains.

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Asking for a seat

If all of our priority seating is being used by those with a specific need then please show your card to other passengers in the carriage and ask if they can let you sit down.

Let our on train staff know if you’re struggling to get a seat and they’ll do all they can to help you.

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When you can’t use your card

The Priority Seating card can’t be used in first class or if you’re travelling with a child under three and they’re in a buggy.

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Apply for a Priority Seating Card

• Priority Seat Card leaflet and application form
• Priority Seat Card - Large Print 
• Priority Seat Card (application form) application form - Large Print
• More information on Priority Seating Cards and badges

Criteria for applications 

Please send in one of the following with your application.

Have you a disability or medical condition that affects your ability to stand comfortably or safely on a train journey? 

• A copy of a Doctor’s note confirming disability or medical condition
• A copy of the Award letter for Attendance Allowance
• A copy of the Award Letter for the Disability Living Allowance
• A written confirmation from Jobcentre Plus
• A letter from Department of Works and Pensions (DWP)
• A certificate of Taxable Incapacity Benefit and Income Tax
• A colour photograph or photocopy of the Disabled Persons Rail card you hold
• A copy of your Award letter for Personal Independence Payment

Are you registered as having a visual impairment?

• A Social Services official stamp on application form
• A copy of your Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI)
• A copy of your BD8 certificate for being registered blind or partially-sighted

Are you pregnant?

• MATB1
• A copy of your doctor’s written confirmation of pregnancy. Southeastern also operate a ‘Baby on Board Badge’ scheme. A badge will be sent along with the card.

Are you over 65? 

• A copy of your birth certificate
• A copy of your driving licence
• A copy of your Passport 

Do you have a child travelling with you under the age of 3?

• A copy of the child’s birth certificate 

All documentation submitted should be a copy of the original.

In addition to the above you are also required to send in proof of address with your name and address on it. This might be a copy of utility bill, copy of your driving licence, copy of council tax bill etc.

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Questions about our services?

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