Oscar, 32, lives in a small town in the West Midlands. He works from home as a writer and digital photo editor. He chooses to drive for shorter journeys but uses the train for further distances. He travels by train monthly to take part in a writing group, and occasionally to care for family in London. 

Trains are often busy, and Oscar struggles with the intense noise and motion:
 

"The most recent example of a challenging public transport experience was standing in the connecting passage between carriages on the way to see family. A combined stomach ache from the swaying movement and headache from the barrage of engine noises made me physically sick."

The swaying, turning and constant motion of public transport can be a particularly difficult sensory experience for autistic people. As well as causing sickness for people like Oscar, motion can be difficult for those with vestibular (balance and spatial awareness) challenges, which many autistic people experience. Often, being seated can help, as well as reduced noise and crowds:
 

"Most of my positive public transport experiences involve being able sit down in a less noisy and intrusive setting. It is essential for me to be seated and have amenable company who won’t cause a ruckus."

Having more available seats and the ability to reserve them is important to make journeys more accessible for autistic people. Other passengers also deeply affect the travel experience of autistic transport users when they are noisy or lack consideration. Many autistic people want to see quiet carriages and areas better enforced and, where possible, more all-rounded sensory safe spaces (dimmed lighting for example). Oscar would like to see allocated seating areas for autistic people:
 

"Despite the practical limitations, it would enable people on the spectrum to travel in a secure environment while encouraging social openness."