Public Transport - The #Survival Guide to avoid Nightmares!
Traveling on Public transport can be not the greatest of things.
Crowds at Rush Hour and the millions of options when it comes to prices can be all to much to bare!
But I have devised some clever tricks to make sure that you can get to A to B without much distress.
So what do you do in a situation where you are traveling to a place you have never been before and have no idea what is going on let alone how much the ticket is going to cost you and whether you'll need to change from a train to a bus for instance.
With my volunteering work and soon my career, I have to use different forms of public transport every week if not day for different purposes.
My first bit of advice comes in the form of planning and organisation. Knowing what time you have to be at a meeting or at a certain place requires more than one google search believe me!
The first bit of advice is search the Address/location of the place where you need to go.
It seems a little bit of a stupid suggestion but you'll actually get more information on transport links to and from the place you need to be and keeping a trusty Maps application on your phone is a brilliant way to keep yourself on the right track!
The second best thing about having the trusty map app is that you'll be able to find out what service operator runs the transport links as well as bus times and information in that particular area. So here is the second bit of advice....
Once you know where you are going and where the nearest transport link is, you can then begin to plan and research how you're going to get there and by what Public Transport!
Here comes the important bit:
Note down the name of the company who provides the transport in that area and then search for them online. You'll find that on the websites you can find out what is the cheapest way to travel and how much money you need before you set off!
*Note*
London will be different! I do recommend that you invest in an oyster card!You can buy one from any Underground station from a machine and top it up as you go along.
An Oyster Card allows you to ride on the Underground and London Buses.
Although I advice you check with the travel operator before using your Oyster Card.
Most travel operators can also provide you with a PDF download of route maps and timetables which can be a life saver and provide return fare prices and day tickets.
I hate traveling on public transport but I know that I have to do it! So what happens if I have to travel at different times of the day and on various modes of Transport?
I have this all the time when traveling into the nearest city from where I live.
I've gone from knowing exactly where I am to well getting a little bit confused the first time around.Knowing that my destination is in a different area of the city, I look for the easiest as well as the quickest way to get there!
It may require getting a bus over to the nearest train station before then catching a train and then another bus.
In this instance checking routes and train/bus times is key.
Accessing the right information when it comes to travel for someone with Aspergers is a life line. Although from an outsiders perspective it may be a little bit to obsessive for their liking. Lack of co-ordination and planning can make what seems to be a simple and not complex situation into a Meltdown situation for someone with Aspergers.
Having your Smart Phone to hand is essential as you can access apps and the internet in seconds if your 3G is behaving itself!
Knowing what key apps to have on your phone when it comes to travelling is essential! It can save a lot of hassle in the long run. Maps and also some travel information apps from national public transport networks for example:
National Rail Enquires has a free downloadable app for both formats of smart phones so anywhere in the UK you can find what train you need, how much a ticket will cost and whether you need to change trains. You can also buy your tickets from this app and collect them from a machine at the station by placing the card you paid for the ticket on and a code sent to your email.
I recommend you use this when traveling on trains.
Another one that gives cheaper fares in the UK is the Train-line!!
Other great advice is to always check your main bus station for route and time information. There will always be someone on hand to ask for help. If not the internet is your best option.
Little Tip:
Always keep your phone charged or take your phone charger with you! A dead battery is not a good thing when travelling!
What do I do if I have to change from one form of transport to the other?
Changing from any form of transport to the other is going to be stressful, especially if you don't know the area.
If changing from Bus to Train or the other way around knowing where you are and where you need to go is key. Most Bus services go past train stations and your little app on your phone will tell you the actual bus you need to catch from where you are!Other forms of transport such as Trams which in certain areas can have combined tickets for other forms of transport. Check the websites of the ticket machines for more information on the best option for you!
Always know when the first and last bus, tram and trains are if traveling later on in the day /evening!
Knowing which services start and finish at what times can help you plan ahead. I had this issue the other day - which inspired me to do this post as I was panicking because my original plan had to be altered due to the fact that I was traveling for two hours and on the way back the last bus from Bury would've have been long gone.Knowing your options and having back up plans are IMPORTANT!!!
Always check the websites of the service providers before you leave just to check for any new updates to the routes and plan ahead and note down what times the transport links stop and find a later alternative and form several contingency plans!Whether it be someone to pick you up after a certain time and at a certain station or stop to different buses that still go to the same location. Knowing that your back ups are all in place will give you piece of mind.
Delays and Changes to the Network!
For anyone with Aspergers, changes and delays can throw even the most confident person off balance. Delays are something that occurs and cannot be controlled whether we like it or not!
If this does happen- the first thing I would say is don't PANIC! I know that panicking is a natural event for anyone to do, but if any of the transport services are delayed there will be notifications to tell passengers how long it is going to be. At Train stations- Staff will be on hand to tell you more information.
If not at a main station, look out for the departure boards as they will visually tell you whether the train is on time and when it is going to arrive in the station. The same goes from Tram services in the Manchester area and London Underground.
Cancellations and Works to the main transport networks can cause chaos. For someone with Aspergers this can be make or break!
I have experienced these problems where work is being done on a certain line/track and there is substitute transport given to you instead of the original.
Always pay attention to notices as you will gather all the right information you need. Sometimes Trains and trams have replacement bus services - keep your ticket with you at all times!!!Don't worry is the first thing I would say and find the nearest member of staff or travel information as this is vital! Once you know which replacement service you need and whether you need it on your return trip you can then relax.
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