Using public transport

Difficulties with travelling by public transport may arise before, during or after the journey.

You may, for example, notice that:

you dread crowds;
you are afraid of falling when getting on or off;
standing for long periods is hard;
switching causes stress;
if you have difficulty with stairs or platforms;
you quickly become overstimulated;
you are worried that you won’t have a seat;
travelling requires a lot of recovery time;
you avoid missing appointments because of the journey.

Sometimes it is not the appointment itself that is the problem, but the journey to get there. This is not always recognised by others.

Public transport can be difficult due to pain, tiredness, poor balance, fear of falling or sensory overload. Difficulties with planning or concentration can also have an impact.

The environment is often unpredictable. Delays, crowds, noise, rushing about and unfamiliar routes can cause stress. If your energy is limited, this can become too much.

Accessibility is also a factor. Not every station, stop or vehicle is equally easy to use.

It helps to prepare well for journeys and to minimise distractions wherever possible.

For example, you could:

travelling outside peak hours;
check the route in advance;
allow for extra travel time;
choose a route with fewer changes;
find a seat as soon as possible;
use a support tool when necessary;
use earplugs or sunglasses when faced with stimuli;
Plan some recovery time after the trip.

Ask for help if necessary. You can ask a fellow traveller, a transport operator or someone at the station.

It is wise to seek help if public transport causes you a great deal of stress or if you find yourself avoiding travel. Advice is also useful if you are afraid of falling, become easily overwhelmed or are unsure how to travel safely.

Please also ask for help if you find yourself becoming dependent on others whilst you would like to travel more independently.

Together, we’ll look at what makes travelling by public transport difficult. In doing so, we’ll focus on energy, mobility, incentives, planning and safety.

A occupational therapist can help with travel preparations, energy management, assistive devices and practising practical situations. A podiatrist can help if foot problems, your gait or your shoes are affecting your stability. A physiotherapist can provide support with walking, balance and climbing stairs. In cases of anxiety, panic or overstimulation, it can psychological support should be appropriate.

Together, we are looking for ways to make travelling by public transport more feasible and less stressful again.

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