1. Shining a Light on Transport & Mental Health: What Passengers Want
Document Management
Meera Rambissoon
The TAS Partnership
Version V1
Prepared by MR
Checked by SH
Approved by
Issue Date
5 June 2018

2. Summary A Powerful Story to Tell…
Why this story?
Who feels what
Who needs what
Passenger suggestions
Passenger messages for operators
Final thoughts
Any questions?

3. Why This Story? Journeys can be agonisingly painful for some people
“Imagine getting on the tube or bus in a real state of panic. You feel pressures people can’t see. Right now 1000s of people are feeling anxious on planes, trains & buses”

4. Why This Story? Because mental health illness is not a small issue
1 in 4
1 in 5
1 in 6
1 in 10

5. Why This Story… For Me?

6. Who Feels What: Passenger Survey Results
80% have experienced mental illness
49% put off from or never use public transport
54% experienced symptoms e.g. panic attack on public transport
8% contacted operator for assistance

7. Who Feels What: Common Themes
Fear, anxiety & worry
Control (vs avoidance)
Self-esteem & self-confidence
Space: known & unknown
Energy & rest (breathing & heartbeat)

8. Who Feels What: Why are People Put Off?
Feeling trapped
Fear of crowding – people
Pressure e.g. time, ticket rush
Can’t get to toilet
Not having staff on hand to ask for help

9. Who Needs What: Passengers’ Top Priorities
Better communication on day of travel
Better ways of communicating needs to operators
More detailed info & support on www

10. Passenger Suggestions
Knowing help at hand
Certainty/reassurance
Clear, accessible information
Priority seats
Timetabled days
Friendly customer service staff

11. Passenger Messages for Operators
Talk to people with mental illness who find travelling difficult
Train staff – to support passengers & fellow staff
Let’s get transport professionals talking to mental health professionals

12. Closing Thoughts
Passenger wants & needs not that different from what any passenger would want
What passengers want = reasonable adjustments – their ‘ramps’
Case of reframing services & service needs within mental health context
Next steps – potential TAS initiatives

13. Any questions? Please get in touch!