Design Brief: Inclusive Transit Support Service

Project Title: Companion Support for Inclusive Transit

Challenge Addressed:
Transport systems often present significant barriers for individuals with cognitive impairments, especially during high-stress periods such as rush hour. These environments can be overwhelming, leading to confusion, anxiety, and feelings of exclusion.

Objective:
To design a new service that promotes equality and respect by offering extra support in transit spaces for people with cognitive impairments who are traveling alone during rush hour.

Proposed Solution:
Develop a service that ensures a real person is available to interact with travelers when needed. This support figure would act as a point of human contact, offering reassurance, guidance, and safety. The presence of a trained person helps recognize when someone needs help and ensures the experience is personalized and dignified.

Target Outcome:
A safe, inclusive transit environment that feels like it belongs to the individual, fostering independence while ensuring backup support is always within reach.

Partnership Needs:

• Collaboration with transport providers experienced in training staff on inclusive practices.
• Co-design with users and professionals to tailor the service for real-world use.

Next Steps:

• Co-develop the service model
• Pilot the concept with a transit partner
• Seek investment for broader rollout