“Hello, everyone.”
In a move to make all passengers feel welcome, Transport for London (TfL) is moving toward this more gender-neutral greeting and scrapping their traditional “ladies and gentlemen” preface.
Now when venturing London, public transport passengers will hear the revised phrasing on all new pre-recorded announcements across London’s transportation network, as well as from London Underground staff, according to BBC News.
However, while TfL said it has made staff aware of the change, it will be issuing reminders should “well-meaning staff…still use the term ‘ladies and gentlemen.'”
“TfL serves a vibrant, diverse and multicultural city, and provision of an inclusive transport service is at the heart of TfL’s purpose,” London Mayor Sadiq Khan said in a statement. “I am aware, however, that some customers may not relate to or feel comfortable with the way that certain station announcements are made.”
The decision, supported by Mayor Khan last month, was also welcomed by LGBTQ campaign group Stonewall.
“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,” the group said in a statement. “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.”
H/T BBC News