Dementia-friendly transport

Public transport can be a lifeline for older people who are no longer able to drive. Find out how services can make a real difference to people living with dementia. 

Dementia friendly transport

Why it matters

People with dementia face a range of challenges. These may include difficulty in recognising people and places and handling and managing money.

When accessing public transport they may experience the following difficulties:

  • Forgetting where they are going, where to get off, where to change stations, or who to meet at the other end. 
  • Paying on ticket machines or recognising coins 
  • Recognising dangerous features or safety prevention such as the yellow line, gates, or out of access areas. 
  • Finding the word to ask for ticket desk, toilets or the platform so may use different or odd words. Or, being able to access and understand information online. 

It is therefore important that all areas of public transport are geared up to support people with dementia. Enabling them to remain independent and stay connected with their friends, families and communities.

Ensuring your transport organisation is dementia-friendly will have a positive impact on the wider society, as well as your business.

Older people are spending money across the economy and transport is one of the top 3 growing sectors for older consumers (ILC,2019) Read further information on the paper published.