The free badge, launched in partnership with Parkinson’s UK, carries the message, “Patience please, travelling is challenging for me”.

It comes as research by Trainline revealed a lack of public understanding around the symptoms of Parkinson’s. 

The survey of 2,000 respondents found that 54% are unsure about identifying symptoms and only 15% felt “very confident” in doing so.

Just under one in five (18%) would recognise slow movement or unsteadiness as a possible medical condition and almost one in 10 said they might mistake Parkinson’s symptoms for something else entirely, like intoxication.

Trainline said it hopes the badge will give those wearing it more confidence when travelling, while encouraging fellow passengers to be patient and considerate.

Sarah Helppi, UK Country Director at Trainline, said: “There is a growing need to recognise those travelling with accessibility needs, especially less visible conditions which might not be immediately apparent during everyday travel.

“We have worked closely with the team at Parkinson’s UK and the broader Parkinson’s community to develop a travel aid that enables those with Parkinson’s and others to signal their needs to others in train stations and on trains. The wording of the badge gives the public an active role to play - by asking for patience, it places responsibility on all of us to be more understanding.”

Ben Gee is 47 and lives with Parkinson’s. He said: “Parkinson’s affects everyone differently, and for me the hardest part is that people don’t expect someone my age to have it. I can’t always stand for long and sometimes my tremors or movements draw looks or questions.

“The badge takes away that ambiguity, meaning I can travel more confidently - it quietly explains what might be going on without me having to prompt the conversation.”

Alongside the badges, Trainline is offering £10 off train travel to 500 people living with Parkinson’s, helping them to stay connected with support groups, attend appointments, or visit specialist nurses.

Tom Ingram, Corporate Partnerships Lead at Parkinson's UK, said: “We are proud to partner with Trainline who have designed this badge in consultation with the Parkinson's community. It is a significant step in creating a more inclusive travel experience and sends a clear message that a little patience can make a big difference. It empowers the public to be part of that positive change and gives more people with Parkinson's confidence on their journeys.”