Neurodivergence and holidays: how to prepare for public transport travel

Changefied BV

Discover how neurodivergent travelers (such as those with autism or mild intellectual disabilities) can better prepare for public transport travel thanks to Virtual Public Transport. Includes tips and solutions for stress-free and inclusive travel.


Why traveling by public transport is extra challenging for neurodivergent people

For many, the holiday season is the perfect time to get away, discover new places, and relax. But for neurodivergent people Public transport, in particular, presents specific challenges:

  • Unpredictability: Sudden changes in schedules, delays or diversions can cause a lot of stress.
  • Stimuli: Busy stations, loud noises, bright lights and unclear environments can quickly lead to overstimulation.
  • Social Interactions: Contact with strangers, such as conductors or fellow passengers, can be exciting or confusing.
  • Complexity of the public transport system: Buying a ticket, transferring or finding the right route is not self-evident for many people.


All of this can cause neurodivergent people to avoid public transport, making them less independent and causing them to miss holidays or outings.


The importance of inclusive travel rights and accessible travel preparation

Everyone has the right to an accessible and pleasant travel experience, regardless of neurological differences. Yet, research and practical experience show that public transport is still far from equally accessible for everyone. Inclusive travel rights go beyond just physical accessibility; they also involve removing barriers to communication, information provision, and preparation.


Good preparation is essential for neurodivergent travelers. Being able to practice a trip, experience situations beforehand, and learn to deal with unexpected events increases self-confidence and independence.


Virtual Public Transport: the solution for stress-free public transport travel

Virtual public transport offers an innovative solution to these challenges. Using virtual reality, neurodivergent people can practice all aspects of public transport travel in a safe, controlled environment. This offers numerous advantages:

  • Realistic training scenarios: From buying a ticket to navigating a busy station and dealing with delays or disruptions.
  • Low-stimulus learning environment: Users can practice at their own pace, without the pressure or distractions of the real world.
  • Step-by-step guidance: Virtual OV offers clear explanations and guidance, tailored to the user's level and needs.
  • Increased self-confidence: With repeated practice, confidence to travel independently grows.
  • Preparing for unexpected situations: Users learn to deal with difficult situations, such as a missed connection or a crowded train.


Virtual public transport allows people to practice travel skills in a safe environment. This makes public transport more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.


Practical tips for neurodivergent travelers

Besides using Virtual Public Transport, there are even more ways to make public transport travel more enjoyable:

  • Make a clear plan: Note down departure times, transfers and alternatives.
  • Use visual aids: Maps, icons, or apps can help with navigation.
  • Take a trusted person with you: This can be a source of support, especially when traveling for the first few times.
  • Ask public transport staff for help: Many carriers offer special assistance for passengers with disabilities.
  • Plan sufficient rest periods: Allow time to acclimatise and process stimuli.


Working together on inclusive travel

Traveling by public transport should be accessible to everyone, including people with neurodivergent brains. By using innovative solutions like Virtual Public Transport and by focusing on inclusive travel rights, we can make a difference together.


Want to learn more about how Virtual Public Transport can help you or your organization prepare for a relaxing holiday using public transport? Feel free to contact us for more information or a free demo!


Illustration of a secondary special education student using virtual reality
by Tim van+Dam October 1, 2025
Discover how the labor market is placing increasing demands on independent travel for VSO students and how schools are preparing them for work and internships with innovative methods, including strengthening citizenship and self-reliance skills.
Province of North Holland and Changefied offer Virtual Public Transport for Special Education
by Tim van+Dam September 17, 2025
The Province of North Holland and Changefied offer Virtual Public Transport for Secondary Special Education in North Holland North, Haarlem/IJmond and Gooi and Vechtstreek
A person wearing VR goggles at a bus stop, holding a tablet. The goggles read
by Tim van+Dam September 2, 2025
Virtual public transport increases self-reliance and labor participation through VR training, reduces healthcare and transportation costs, and promotes inclusion and sustainability.
Back to school Blog
by Tim van+Dam August 21, 2025
Back to School: Dare to travel with Virtual Public Transport!
Blog Transfer of Learning
by tim May 30, 2025
Transfer of learning is the process by which knowledge, skills, and insights acquired in one context are successfully applied to a new situation. This principle is at the heart of effective education and training: learning is only valuable if what has been learned can actually be put into practice. In this blog post, you'll learn how virtual reality learning improves learning transfer and why it's essential for sustainable and future-proof education.
Virtual public transport and the government
by tim May 9, 2025
Discover how Virtual Public Transport helps municipalities achieve inclusivity goals and the Local Inclusion Agenda (LIA). Increase accessibility and save on targeted transport with this innovative VR solution!
Impact of 6DoF VR for Neurodivergents
by jade April 29, 2025
Virtual reality (VR) is rapidly developing into a valuable tool for neurodivergent individuals. The latest generation of VR technology, with its six degrees of freedom (6DoF), offers unique opportunities for developing social skills and increasing self-reliance in children and young people with autism, for example.
Blog
by Brenda van Es April 8, 2025
Virtual public transport offers an innovative solution to a crucial question in special education: how do we teach children to travel independently on public transport? For teacher Very, who works at KPO Special Education De Kameleon in Roosendaal, virtual public transport has offered much more than just practice in travel skills. The VR learning platform increases her students' self-confidence and independence. In this article, we share her experiences and discuss the impact of virtual public transport.
Virtual Public Transport
by jade March 20, 2025
Dutch Virtual Public Transport, an innovative spin-off from the successful Virtual Public Transport learning platform, proudly announces the launch of its new virtual reality experience on the Meta Store. This groundbreaking application, developed in collaboration with Dutch transport organizations, is designed to familiarize international visitors with Dutch public transport, while also supporting neurodivergent people in becoming self-sufficient on public transport.
Independence and Parent Support in Student Transportation
by jade March 17, 2025
Independence and Parental Support in Student Transportation: The Role of Municipalities, Education, and Virtual Public Transport. Recent news shows that municipalities are increasingly placing the responsibility for student transportation to special education on parents. This raises an important question: how can municipalities, educational institutions, and innovative solutions like Virtual Public Transport work together to empower young people and simultaneously provide parents with the right support?
Show More