Campaigners said the badges would avoid embarrassment for pregnant women and other passengers

Pregnant woman are being encouraged to wear “baby on board” badges while travelling on public transport to let other passengers know that they require a seat.

All public transport operators, including Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, Luas, Iarnród Éireann and the soon-to-launch Go-Ahead bus operator, have agreed to participate in the initiative.

Expectant mothers receiving care in 17 out of the 20 maternity hospitals are to receive a badge at their first hospital appointment in their pregnancy information pack. The badges are also available free of charge from collection points in public transport locations across the country.

The scheme is launching nationally after a successful trial on selected Iarnród Éireann routes. The pilot programme was met with broadly positive feedback, according to Transport for Ireland (TFI),