As an autistic adult, a wellbeing specialist, and the parent of neurodivergent children, public transport has always felt like a bit of a paradox. On paper, it promises independence and freedom. In practice, it often feels chaotic, overwhelming, and, frankly, inaccessible.
I’ve had moments where getting from A to B meant battling not just traffic or timetables, but sensory overload, poor signage, unclear announcements, and a lack of understanding from staff or fellow passengers. And I know I’m not alone in this.
That’s why I was so encouraged to see Autistica’s new report — “Neurodivergence and Public Transport” — which takes a detailed and thoughtful look at how public transport in the UK can be redesigned to meet the needs of neurodivergent people. Not only does it reflect lived experience, but it also offers clear, practical solutions — and a pathway forward.
👉 You can read the full report here:
https://www.autistica.org.uk/about-us/2030/by-2030-public-spaces-will-be-more-accessible-for-neurodivergent-people
Key Themes from the Report
The report draws on the experiences of over 550 neurodivergent people, including autistic adults, family members, and carers. It explores how public transport affects daily life — and where it falls short.
Here are some of the standout findings for me:
🚦 Unpredictability and inconsistency are major barriers.
Whether it’s a last-minute platform change, an unmanned station, or a driver who doesn’t wait for someone struggling to board, unpredictability creates real anxiety. For neurodivergent people, this isn’t just a nuisance — it’s often a dealbreaker.
🔊 Sensory overload makes travel difficult or impossible.
Flashing lights, echoing announcements, engine noise, crowded spaces, and strong smells — many neurodivergent travellers are overwhelmed before the journey even begins. If the environment isn’t manageable, we’re simply not going to use it.
❌ Lack of understanding from others makes us feel unsafe or unwelcome.
Staff and fellow passengers can make or break a journey. Untrained staff might not know how to support someone in distress, while a lack of public awareness can lead to judgement, stares, or even confrontation.
🧭 Many of us avoid public transport altogether.
The consequences are serious: limited access to healthcare, reduced job opportunities, less social connection, and a loss of autonomy. We shouldn’t have to rely on friends, family or private cars just to live our lives.
What Meaningful Change Could Look Like:
The report includes 11 evidence-informed recommendations grouped into five key areas. Here’s what real change could look like:
🔗 Collaboration and Leadership
- A national steering group to lead on neuroinclusive transport strategy.
- Investment in research that tests solutions, not just describes problems.
- Co-design with neurodivergent people — always.
🧾 Standardised and Predictable Systems
- Consistent signage, ticketing, and boarding procedures across the UK.
- Easier transfers between different types of transport.
📱 Better Use of Digital Tools
- Real-time updates and journey planning apps that are accurate, accessible, and integrated.
- Walkthrough videos and sensory maps for stations and terminals.
- Free Wi-Fi to support on-the-go access to important travel info.
🧠 Training and Awareness
- Mandatory, evidence-based training for all public-facing staff.
- Public campaigns promoting understanding of invisible disabilities and neuroinclusive behaviours (like keeping noise down or respecting personal space).
🤝 More Support and Less Overcrowding
- Staff available in transition zones, not just on board.
- Options for quieter carriages or low-sensory spaces.
- Better planning to reduce peak-time crowding.
We need to stop treating accessibility as an afterthought — especially when it comes to invisible disabilities and cognitive differences. This report makes it clear: what helps neurodivergent people helps everyone. Clearer signage. Calmer spaces. Better information. Trained staff. These are improvements we can all benefit from.
So if you’re a transport provider, policymaker, urban designer, or someone in a position to influence change — please read the report. Use it to shape your strategy. Invite autistic and neurodivergent voices into the room. And most of all, act.
Because accessibility isn’t just about ramps and lifts — it’s about dignity, independence, and the right to move freely through the world.
👉 Read the full Autistica report:
https://www.autistica.org.uk/about-us/2030/by-2030-public-spaces-will-be-more-accessible-for-neurodivergent-people