Working together on procedural memory!

Virtual public transport makes independent travel truly accessible

Everyone deserves independence in travel

At Changefied, we believe everyone should be able to travel independently on public transport – even if you have autism or need a little extra support in some other way. Learning to travel is more than just acquiring knowledge; it's about developing practical skills that you perform automatically. We call this procedural memory.

What is procedural memory?

Procedural memory is the memory for routines and actions that you perform without thinking, such as riding a bicycle or checking in and out of bus tickets. For people with autism and other neurodiverse characteristics, learning this often proceeds differently and takes more time and practice.

How does Virtual Public Transport help?

Virtual Public Transport helps by providing a safe, calm practice environment where you can develop travel skills step by step. You practice as often as you like, make mistakes without consequences, and experience realistic situations from planning to responding to unexpected events. This stimulates executive functions such as planning, focusing, and managing tension in a playful way.

An inspiring example: Damian

A great example is Damian (18), who made the switch from taxi to bus to school with Virtual OV. Thanks to intensive practice with the VR headset, he learned to plan and practice his journey step by step, which means he now travels much more independently. This has greatly boosted his self-confidence and reduces stress on the way.

What does this mean for young people?

With Virtual Public Transport, travel skills are not only learned but also embedded in procedural memory, making independence truly possible. This means less stress, more self-confidence, and ultimately greater freedom for young people with additional support.

Want to know more?

Want to learn more about how Virtual Public Transport can help you or your organization effectively use procedural memory for independent travel? Contact us!