• Ask first, do second: “What would be most helpful right now?”
• Offer choices, not instructions: “Would you like my arm, the rail, or your stick?”
• Pace over speed: leave extra time, celebrate small wins, and keep rests non-negotiable.
• Dignity always: speak to the person, not for them, unless they ask you to.

Planning together

• Map the route door to door: front door to seat, then seat to destination. Include lifts, ramps, step-free routes, and where toilets are likely to be.
• Build in slack time: connections are easier when you are not racing. Aim to arrive early.
• Share roles: one person tracks times and platforms, the other focuses on comfort and safety.
• Prepare a simple “plan B”: know the next train or bus, a taxi number, and a safe waiting spot.

Tickets and assistance

• Check eligibility together for any discount cards or travel passes.
• For rail, consider booking passenger assistance in advance if that suits the traveller. It can include ramps, boarding help, and meeting at platforms.
• Keep tickets, booking references, and assistance details in one place, paper or phone, and screenshot anything important.

Packing: a simple support kit

• Essentials pouch: medication, water, snacks that are easy to manage one-handed, tissues, wet wipes.
• Comfort and regulation: noise-reducing earplugs or headphones, a small heat or cold pack if spasticity or pain flares, a light scarf or layer.
• Mobility and grip: compact folding stick, grabber, or fingerless gloves if rails are slippery.
• Accessibility cards: a brief printed card that says what helps. For example, “Please speak clearly and give me time to reply.”
• Charging: phone battery pack, short cable, and a printed list of key numbers in case tech fails.

Getting to and through the station or stop

• Curb to concourse: look for dropped kerbs, step-free entrances, and working lifts. If a lift is out, ask staff for the step-free alternative.
• Sensory load: busy spaces can be overwhelming. Offer a quieter waiting area or stand with your back to a wall for less visual noise.
• Clear ground rules: agree a pace word. For example, “pause” means find a seat now, “stop” means full halt and reassess.
• Hands and offers: if balance is tricky, offer your forearm, not a pull on the hand. Keep your stance steady on escalators and ramps. If escalators feel unsafe, ask for lift access.

Boarding and finding a seat

• Trains: board near the accessible carriage or wheelchair space if needed. If using a ramp, let staff guide the kit while you steady and reassure.
• Buses: signal early, ask the driver to kneel the bus or deploy the ramp if helpful, and head for priority seats or the wheelchair bay.
• Taxis: request a vehicle that suits mobility needs, for example a wheelchair accessible taxi, and ask the driver to park close to the kerb with space to turn.
• Seating choices: choose a seat with armrests for leverage, near a door but away from draughts or crowds. Face the direction of travel if motion sensitivity is an issue.

On board etiquette and comfort

• Anchor points: help position feet flat, hips back, and a light bag secured so it does not slide.
• Spasticity and fatigue: gentle shoulder or forearm pressure can calm the body. Offer a stretch break at stops if safe and wanted.
• Communication: if aphasia or slower processing is present, give space, keep sentences short, and use yes or no checks.
• Boundaries with others: if someone crowds or blocks a priority space, you can politely advocate. “We need the bay for mobility, could you use another seat please?”

Connections and unexpected changes

• Platform swaps and diversions happen. Keep your tone calm and neutral. “No rush, we have time. Let us head to the lift together.”
• Reduce decisions: offer two clear options. “Shall we take the next train or the taxi we saved?”
• If panic rises: pause, sit or lean, breathe together for a count of four in and six out. Sip water. Reset the plan.

Taxis: making them work for you

• When booking: mention a wheelchair, walking aid, or need for extra time. Ask for the driver to stop close to the kerb, open the door fully, and allow steady transfers.
• During the ride: secure mobility aids and bags. Request smoother driving and clear announcements before turns or stops.
• Payment: handle the card or phone if fine motor control is difficult, with consent. Keep receipts for any support claims if relevant.

After the journey

• Decompress first: a few quiet minutes before any onward task.
• Gentle check-in: “What went well? What felt hard? What would you change next time?”
• Record learnings: update your route notes, best seats, friendly stations, and reliable drivers.

Safety quick checks

• Footwear that grips, clothing that does not snag, and layers for temperature swings.
• Hydration and food before and during travel.
• Medication and timing, including any that interacts with heat, cold, or motion.
• Visible aids help others understand. Priority badges or cards can reduce awkwardness.

Simple scripts you can keep

• To staff: “Hi, we are travelling together. We need step-free boarding and a little extra time, please.”
• To fellow passengers: “Could we have this priority seat for balance and safety, please?”
• To the person you are supporting: “I am right here. We can pause whenever you need. What would help most now?”

A printable checklist for the door

• Tickets, assistance details, ID, and payment.
• Phone, charger, emergency contacts, and address of destination.
• Meds, water, snacks, tissues, wipes.
• Mobility aids and comfort items.
• Plan B: next service times and a taxi option.

Travel does not need to be perfect to be successful. What matters is control, safety, and confidence that grows with practice. With your steady support, thoughtful planning, and kind advocacy, trains, buses, and taxis become possible again, then familiar, then routine. That freedom is worth the effort for all of us.