"Transport for London ( TfL) is exploring how it can make journeys easier for passengers who find the city's transport system overwhelming - by trialling a calm, quiet space for neurodivergent customers inside one of its busiest stations. In a preliminary engagement notice, Transport for London said it wants to hear from the market about possible off-the-shelf solutions that could provide a low-stimulus refuge for people who struggle with noise, crowds and sensory overload while travelling."
"The move underlines a growing recognition that accessibility is not just about lifts, ramps and step-free routes. While physical barriers remain a major issue, inclusion also means addressing neurological differences - and how a loud, fast-moving transport system can exclude people who experience the world differently. Around 10 million journeys are made on TfL's network every day, creating an environment that is busy, visually cluttered and often noisy."
"The proposed trial would test whether a commercially available product could work in a live operational setting, and whether it would be used by passengers in practice. By opening the idea to the market, TfL hopes to "harness innovation" and find out what is already available, rather than starting from scratch. A location has already been identified on the main concourse at Paddington's Elizabeth line station for the trial, should it go ahead."
Transport for London is exploring a trial of a calm, quiet, low-stimulus space for neurodivergent passengers at a busy station. The organisation seeks off-the-shelf solutions via a preliminary engagement to provide refuge for people who struggle with noise, crowds and sensory overload. The initiative recognizes that accessibility includes cognitive and sensory needs in addition to physical access. Around 10 million journeys occur on the network daily, creating busy, visually cluttered and often noisy environments. Much of the system predates awareness of neurodiversity and falls short of modern best-practice design. The trial will test commercially available products in live settings and gauge passenger use at Paddington's Elizabeth line concourse. The work aligns with the Equity in Motion inclusion strategy.
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