People with invisible disabilities will be able to wear a new badge to help them get a seat on public transport.

Transport for Ireland and Invisible Disability Ireland says it can be used on providers like Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus and Iarnród Éireann.

The badge will help passengers with conditions like autism, multiple sclerosis or chronic pain, that aren't always obvious to others.

Often these conditions can make standing for long periods of time more difficult, but the new badge will alert fellow passengers to offer their seat.

"They work"

Dominic Hannigan, Head of Public Transport Regulation for the National Transport Authority explained to Newstalk listeners how they can avail of the new scheme.

"Some medical conditions such as autism or MS or chronic pain make it difficult for people to stand up for long periods of time, and often these conditions aren't visible to others."

"So this new scheme that we're releasing today means that passengers with these conditions can now get a badge from their public transport operator which says 'please offer me a seat'."

"There are similar schemes operating in London, Manchester and elsewhere, and they work."

Main image shows commuters on the Luas. Picture by: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie