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'Brighter' uniforms for Transport for London staff

Transport for London A man and a woman wearing TfL's new uniform, an outer layer where the top, above the chest is blue and below is a darker navy blue with two horizontal pockets next to the zip. Transport for London
The new uniforms will be introduced in the coming weeks

Transport for London (TfL) is refreshing the uniform thousands of its staff wear across the network.

TfL said it was to help make them more identifiable to customers, especially in busier stations.

The design has brighter roundels - TfL's logo - representing each mode or team on the overcoat and jacket, as well as on accessories such as hats, scarves and ties.

The new uniforms, that customers will start to see some staff wearing in the coming weeks, are an update of the design first introduced in 2015 by Hemingway Design.

Transport for London A woman, who is smiling and looking to the left of the camera, is wearing a two-toned blue cardigan with the TfL roundel across the chest and another staff member with short, blonde hair is wearing a blue quilted liner with a jumper and smiling into the camera.Transport for London
TfL said the larger, brighter roundels would provide "improved contrast and visibility"

TfL said the larger, brighter roundels would provide improved contrast and visibility, which it said was a key point in feedback on the current uniform for visually impaired customers.

It added the refreshed design also had improved functionality to help those experiencing common symptoms of menopause, such as hot flushes and dry, itchy skin.

The jacket is made of 51 per cent recycled materials, in a move towards more sustainable materials, TfL added, with the uniforms being delivered in zero-emission vehicles.

There will be 12-month transition period to move over to the new uniforms.

The new design will be rolled out across the network, including the Elizabeth line and London Overground, but will start with London Underground, the Lost Property Office, TfL visitor centres and the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) from December 2024.

'Respect TfL's heritage'

A bus station controller for TfL, Brook Randall, said the fabric felt "breathable and not itchy".

"I like the colour because it will stand out in situations where operational colleagues are dealing with a difficult situation - so police, ambulance staff and the fire service can see us."

TfL's chief operating officer, Claire Mann, said: "Introducing further diversity improvements through the uniforms, as well as ensuring they are designed to help staff at all phases of their life, is another way we are continuing to ensure our teams represent the city we serve while respecting TfL's renowned heritage."

Michael Roberts, at travel watchdog London TravelWatch, said: "The refreshed uniform design should make it easier to spot staff and we look forward to hearing how well the new kit is received by the public."

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