End of the line for ‘ladies and gentlemen’ on Underground

THE words “ladies and gentlemen” are to be dropped from announcements on the Tube to make them appear more gender-neutral.

London Underground staff have been told to instead use greetings such as “good morning, everyone” to ensure that all passengers feel welcome. All recorded announcements will also be changed to use the new phrases, Transport for London (TFL) said.

Campaigners had said the phrase “ladies and gentlemen”, which is commonly used by drivers, was “outdated and polite, but really belonging to yesterday”.

Stonewall, the LGBT campaign group, welcomed the decision, which comes after months of campaigning and was supported by Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London.

The change of phrases follows similar moves in other companies, universities and schools across the country to use gender-neutral language.

“We want everyone to feel welcome on our transport network,” said Mark Evers, director of customer strategy at TFL.

“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.”