Getting around on public transport — Easy Read

Plan the whole journey

Choose the destination, route, departure time and return journey. Check walking distances, bus stops, station entrances, step-free routes, lifts, toilets and changes between services. A station being step-free does not always mean boarding the train is step-free. Allow time for connections and breaks. Keep a simple route, contact details and any assistance confirmation in a form you can use, including on paper if helpful.

Check tickets and payment

Ask which ticket or pass covers your actual journey and whether your supporter needs a separate ticket. Advance train tickets normally restrict you to the specified train; other tickets can have time, route or operator restrictions. Check the return journey too. Keep tickets and any required Railcard available. If disability prevents you using ticket-buying facilities, ask the operator for help and explain the barrier rather than assuming you cannot travel.

Take a bus step by step

Check the stop, route number, direction and destination before boarding. Ask the driver to confirm if you are unsure. Explain if you need the ramp, time to sit down or help knowing when to get off. Pay or show your pass as required. Watch the stops or announcements, and use the stop button in time where provided. Wait until the bus stops before getting off. If you miss your stop, ask for help to plan the next step.

Use a station and change trains

Check the departure board and ask staff to confirm the platform and train. Platforms can change. Find a safe waiting place and allow enough time to reach the train. Check any seat or wheelchair-space reservation and boarding help. For an interchange, confirm who will meet you and how to reach the next platform. Tell staff if a changed platform or short connection makes the route inaccessible.

Arrange Passenger Assist

Passenger Assist can coordinate help across train companies, including boarding, ramps, finding platforms and changing trains. Explain non-visible needs as well as mobility needs. Requests can be made up to two hours before the journey starts. You can also turn up without booking and ask staff or use a Help Point, although help may take longer. Assistance is free and separate from tickets. Ask where and when to meet staff and what to do if help is missing.

Check wheelchair and mobility-aid space

Check your wheelchair or scooter’s size, ramp limits and the operator’s rules. Train wheelchair spaces are limited; reserve one where available. On buses, ask the driver for access to the wheelchair space. Another wheelchair already using the space or vehicle capacity can affect boarding. Drivers must take appropriate steps when other passengers or belongings occupy it; a space is not guaranteed on every departure. Ask the operator about alternatives if you cannot board.

Prepare for disruption

Check live departures and access updates shortly before travel and during the journey. A cancelled service, broken lift or replacement coach can change what is accessible. Ask staff or the operator for a suitable alternative and help rearranging assistance. Rail operators must explain how they provide appropriate alternative accessible transport without extra charge when their service is inaccessible to you. Agree arrangements before paying for a taxi yourself. Keep someone you trust informed if you want their support.

Consider taxis, community and education transport

Ask the council about community transport and disabled bus passes; check eligibility, booking and charges. When booking a taxi or community vehicle, explain wheelchair dimensions, access and any securement needs. A Blue Badge is a separate parking concession with its own rules. School and college transport also have separate arrangements: ask for the council’s current policy and review route. Do not assume previous school transport continues unchanged at college.

Find suitable toilet facilities

A Changing Places toilet has space and specialist equipment, including an adult-sized changing bench and hoist. Use the official map, then contact the venue to check opening, access and equipment suitability. The consortium advises users to bring their own sling. Follow the person’s assessed moving-and-handling arrangements; do not assume venue staff will provide personal care or hoisting support.

Build confidence and protect your choices

You might choose a practice trip, route pictures, a quieter time or someone travelling with you. Ask the council or support team about local travel training; availability and eligibility vary. Agree support around your goals and actual needs rather than assuming you must travel alone or must always be accompanied. Review what worked. Ask for reasonable adjustments and report access problems to the operator. Ask for a response and the next complaints step if the problem remains.

Getting around by bus and train

Plan your route

Check tickets

Using a bus

Using a train

Ask for train assistance

Check access and space

If plans change

Check toilets and other needs

Choose the support you need

What you can do next

More useful links

Getting around and planning accessible journeys