As part of its ongoing efforts to promote customer courtesy, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) today announced that it is offering, for the first time ever, free “Baby on Board” buttons for pregnant riders. The buttons are an extension of the agency’s award-winning courtesy campaign, which is currently displayed throughout the bus and rail system and addresses a variety of topics designed to promote courteous behavior among CTA customers.
The new buttons, which feature the message, “Baby on Board! Could we please sit down?” are a tool to help improve communication between CTA riders. Not all pregnancies are easily visible, which can make it difficult for other riders to determine whether to offer up their seat. The buttons are intended to make it easier for pregnant riders to seek a seat.
“CTA is always seeking out ways to promote a courteous and welcoming environment for all customers,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “These new buttons are the latest effort toward that goal, and we hope they help foster courtesy and consideration among all customers.”
As part of the pilot program, the free buttons are available through a variety of channels, including online ordering via CTA’s website (transitchicago.com/babyonboard) or picking up at CTA Headquarters, 567 West Lake Street, at the 2nd Floor Customer Service Desk.
CTA has also partnered with the OB/GYN practices at several area hospitals, including: Northwestern Medicine Prentice Women’s Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County and Saint Anthony Hospital. The hospitals will serve as button distribution locations for pregnant riders.
CTA promotes courteous behavior via announcements, signs, and a Courtesy Campaign seen on buses, railcars and digital screens. Developed in-house by CTA staff, the campaign won the American Public Transportation Association’s Grand Award for informational campaign in 2015.
For more information about the “Baby on Board” campaign, visit transitchicago.com/babyonboard.
This article originally appeared in the Chicago Defender.
