London Tube Ditches ‘Ladies And Gentlemen’ For Gender-Neutral ‘Everyone’

ashley.rae | July 14, 2017
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The London Underground is scrapping use of the phrase “ladies and gentlemen” in order to be more inclusive and gender-neutral.

The Telegraph reports that instead of using the traditional greeting of “ladies and gentlemen” when talking to customers, the Transport for London has instructed all staff to use the word “everyone,” despite the fact that statistically everyone is either a lady or a gentleman.

Not only will employees be forced to use gender-neutral language, but prerecorded messages will also be updated to reflect the change in language.

According to Metro, Mark Evers, the director of customer strategy for the Transport for London, said, “We want 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,” he continued.

The Independent claims that during a Mayor’s Question Time last month, London Mayor Saqid Khan endorsed the plan to make the Transport for London use more gender-neutral language.

The push for making the language used on the Tube was spearheaded by Stonewall, a LGBT charity.

A spokesman for the organization said, “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 Independent reports Transport for London employees said all staff members have been briefed on the changes and, if people fail to comply, “reminders” will be issued.

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