Recently, Dizzy and I found ourselves on a busy train with no seats! We very rarely get the train (just because of dizzies etc) and when we do we always make sure to go at nice, quiet train times, when there are plenty of seats. But this one time it was not possible to wait for the next train without being very late.
Even though we were super determined to get a seat, we got scared and realised that it can be really hard to ask someone for a seat. I did not manage it! And instead, we ended up sitting squashed in-between feet on the floor for the whole journey…
It was not the greatest… but it has got us thinking of ways in which it can maybe be a little easier to ask for a seat in the future….maybe 🙂
- Cards and badges
There are lots of cards and badges out there that are easily accessible for people to carry with them. Dizzy now has quite a collection! 🙂 And they can provide a visual way of letting people know that you need a seat.
TfL offer this one for free! So you can keep a card in your bag to show people, or wear the badge so there is a noticeable sign on you at all times when travelling. You can order both of these from the TfL website here.
The MS Society also offer a card that you can keep with you. It states that you have MS and the different requirements you may need because of it. This ‘I have MS’ card is also free and can be ordered from here 🙂
2. Lanyards
As well as badges and cards, there are also lanyards available to show people that you may need a little extra help.
We like these ones, as they have sunflowers on (and Dizzy thinks they make her look rather dashing!). But they do cost a small fee. They can be found here to purchase, and come with card options if wanted.
3. Asking people and planning what to say
This is the part I find really scary – asking people if I can have their seat, especially as there are no outwards signs that I actually need one. But someone suggested to Dizzy that having sentences prepared to say beforehand could be really helpful. These are the ones we have thought of, so we are all ready next time, and don’t have to worry about mind blanking when we get scared. 🙂
4. Staff support
All railway networks also offer staff support and assistance with travel. This does sometimes need to be booked in advance, but part of the service is to help you find a seat on the train. 🙂
We mostly use Southeastern, which can be found here and lists all the ways they can help. 🙂
5. Disabled railcard
Lastly, if you do have MS, you automatically qualify for a Disabled Persons Railcard! It is £20 a year (or £50 for 3 years) and gives you and a career 1/3 off all of your railway journeys. 🙂
How have you found traveling on busy trains with a disability? And have you ever managed to ask someone for their seat? 🙂 xxxx
Aww! Did you wear your card on the bus?
People are not respectful anymore but since you have a silent disability Heather, I hope you do wear the card you bought so you don’t have to stand for too long on public transportation of any kind. Not only that, you will not have to worry about standing and the train/bus has to make a sudden stop and you will lose your balance. That last part can happen to anyone at a sudden stop.