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Inspired by Can I use a priority seat if it is vacant?

Many trains, buses and subways have seats that are marked as "priority seats", meaning that the people who are in greater need of a seat, such as the elderly or pregnant women, should have preferential access to those seats. However:

• In many locales, including my own, it's totally ok for anyone to use one of those seats as long as no one else needs them.


• Also in my locale at least, the idea that people in greater need should be given preference applies, by common sense, to all seats. For example if a frail person boards a full train, someone will get up to let them seat, no matter if the seat is marked as priority or not.

What I don't understand then, is why some specific seats are marked as priority and others are not, since I fail to see any difference in practice. More often than not the seats in question are identical and equally accessible. What's the reason for this distinction?

Here are some reasons for this. To be clear, the exact reasoning would vary by operator or agency.

• The Priority sears are often next the door allowing easier access when boarding, exiting and in case of emergency.


• The Priority seats are often dual-purpose and can be folded/stowed to accommodate mobility devices.


• Designating seats as Priority is an extra push to make them available. Yes, you should relinquish any seat to a rider with a broken leg, but you really, really should relinquish the designated seats.


• Accessibility is a major issue in developed nations. Having designated Priority seats is beneficial operationally (as above) and in public opinion for the operator.

As well as Johns-305's excellent answer there is another good reason for designating some seats as priority seats.

It enables the operators to enforce the 'give up your seat for someone who needs it' rule, without either having to make it a formal universal rule, or have the driver decide who has to give up their seat. It may seem like 'common sense' that people give up their sets to those who need it, but people don't always do the common sense thing.

Let's imagine a situation where there are no designated seats, the bus is full, and someone needing a seat for real, medical reason gets on. Nobody voluntarily gives up their seat. The person is left with either standing (which may be literally impossible for them) or asking a random person to give up their seat. It's possible that person might say "I don't want to, get that other person to give up their seat instead. They are younger/fitter/carrying less.". That person may think a third person is better able to stand. Now you've got an argument and no way of resolving it.

With a designated seat it's easy. The person needing the seat asks the one occupying the designated seat to give it up. They may grumble, but the sign is there, they knew they might have to do this when they sat in it. The driver can even enforce it without seeming arbitrary.