West Midlands takes action to address neurodivergent passengers feeling unsafe on public transport

Transport for West Midlands is in conversation with National Neurodiversity Training to explore a training programme for staff and a campaign to raise public awareness, encouraging all passengers to create safer, more inclusive environments across the West Midlands.

The initiative comes after a new study by National Neurodiversity Training revealed that almost two in five (38 per cent) neurodivergent passengers in the West Midlands have felt unsafe or witnessed incidents on public transport, nearly double the rate reported by neurotypical passengers (21 per cent).

The findings come from a collaborative research project between National Neurodiversity Training and the Safer Travel Partnership, which includes Transport for West Midlands, West Midlands Police, British Transport Police, and local transport operators.

The findings also revealed that 60 per cent of respondents said staff training on neurodiversity would make them feel safe and encourage them to use public transport, and 20 per cent called for help to address public stigma and misunderstanding.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands said: “Research shows that anxiety, fear or a lack of confidence prevents too many neurodivergent people from using our buses, trains and trams, meaning they can’t live their lives to the fullest.

“I’m proud we are working with partners at National Neurodiversity Training so we can take action with our staff to make our public transport safer, more welcoming and more accessible, delivering on my priority of improving journeys for everyone.”

The research, which engaged 320 people across the region, was led by Iveta Pudilova, CEO of National Neurodiversity Training, who is autistic and has ADHD, alongside the West Midlands Combined Authority team.

This included Michael Sandland, who is dyslexic and the operations manager of Transport Safety Officers, and Paul Franks, Security and Policing Manager.

Iveta Pudilova, Founder and CEO of National Neurodiversity Training, said: “As a neurodivergent person, I relate to when people tell us they avoid work or social opportunities because they feel anxious or unsafe travelling.”

“The West Midlands Combined Authority is leading public transport accessibility and overall experience. It’s been fantastic working with their teams, and we’re excited to act on our findings, proving that inclusive transport benefits our whole region, from its people to its economy.”

Pictured from left to right: Iveta Pudilova and Richard Parker