BLS Increases Visibility for People with Invisible Disabilities
29.04.2026 | from BLS AG
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Image rights: BLS AG
29.04.2026, People with an invisible disability can now obtain the 'Sunflower Lanyard' from BLS. The sunflower lanyard is intended to provide affected individuals with more understanding and support while traveling on public transport.
Many people live with invisible disabilities or chronic illnesses that are not immediately apparent to those around them. These include examples such as deafness, mental disabilities like anxiety disorders, or motor impairments, among others. In Switzerland, about 20 percent of the population is affected by a disability, of which about 80 percent are invisible. These can make daily life and using public transport challenging, for example, by increasing stress, causing orientation problems, or requiring more support.
The lanyard with yellow sunflowers on a green background is an internationally recognized symbol for people with invisible disabilities or chronic illnesses. The lanyard allows affected people to discreetly draw attention to their situation in public spaces and thus receive more time, patience, or support when needed – for example, during ticket inspections, when asking staff questions, or while seeking advice at a BLS travel center.
Affected individuals can obtain the Sunflower Lanyard free of charge at all BLS travel centers from May 1, 2026, without any proof of disability or illness. The decision to wear it is situational and at the discretion of the individual. The tariff regulations continue to apply to all passengers, even those with lanyards. BLS trains its staff with customer contact on the significance of the symbol and how to sensitively interact with wearers – especially train staff, travel advisors, busland drivers, and crew members on BLS ships. By introducing the lanyard, BLS is making a stand for respect, understanding, and inclusion.
The lanyard is also available from SBB
With its commitment, BLS, along with its subsidiaries Busland and BLS Shipping, has been a member of 'Hidden Disabilities Sunflower' since January 2026. The initiative was launched in 2016 at Gatwick Airport in London to support passengers with invisible disabilities and chronic illnesses while traveling. Today, the symbol is used worldwide by many airlines. The 'Sunflower Lanyard' is also establishing itself in Swiss public transport. SBB introduced the lanyard nationwide for travelers with an invisible disability in March 2026.
Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher. Image rights: BLS AG
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BLS AG
BLS is one of the largest transport companies in Switzerland. In our core business of rail, we operate the Bern S-Bahn, which is the second-largest S-Bahn network in Switzerland.
We also run the western lines of the S-Bahn Central Switzerland. BLS is also established in tourist traffic. Our offerings include rail lines through Emmental, Jura, Seeland, Simmental, to Interlaken, and over the Lötschberg mountain line.
In addition to operating various rail lines, BLS also maintains a 420-kilometer-long railway network and 119 stations and stops. The heart of the BLS infrastructure is the Lötschberg axis, with the 34.6-kilometer-long Lötschberg Base Tunnel and the 60-kilometer mountain route from Frutigen to Brig.
The Lötschberg Base Tunnel opened in 2007 and is considered one of the most modern rail tunnels in the world. The mountain route opened in 1913 as a remarkable pioneering construction.
Note: The "About Us" text is taken from public sources or from the company profile on HELP.ch.
Source: BLS AG, Press release
Original article published on: BLS schafft für Menschen mit unsichtbaren Behinderungen mehr Sichtbarkeit