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Public vs. Private Transportation for Individuals with Special Needs

When it comes to our children, we know that they all have their own individual needs and requirements. There are many factors that parents need to consider when choosing the right transportation for their child, Here are some important considerations to contemplate when it comes to public and private transportation.

The Pros of Public Transportation

Public transport is becoming increasingly accessible for passengers with disabilities and many buses and trains are now equipped with wheelchair access. There has also been an increase in public transport routes, which for many people may open up new opportunities to use public transport. Many passengers with disabilities are entitled to public transport subsidies and fare reductions. This can make public transport an excellent option for those who are travelling on a budget or do not have access to their own vehicle. Bus and train rides can also be very enjoyable experiences for many special needs children who are fascinated by watching the world zoom by outside of the window.

The Cons of Public Transportation

Public transport can mean long waiting times and unexpected delays. It can often also become crowded and noisy, which can make life difficult for children and adults with special needs. For those who require a wheelchair, space can also be a challenge. Whilst public transport can be a great solution for those who happen to be on the right bus route or train line, unfortunately, not everyone is so lucky.

The Pros of Private Transportation

Having your own private vehicle can offer you the ease of being able to travel at any time to any place. It can also give you peace of mind that if there should ever be an emergency where you need to reach the hospital or simply return home, you would be able to do so immediately. Your own vehicle could also accommodate the exact needs of your child. If you need a wheelchair accessible vehicle, this can be altered to perfectly fit the size of the individual wheelchair.

The Cons of Private Transportation

The downside to your own transport is of course the cost and maintenance of a vehicle. However, there are many providers of good quality second hand vehicles in the U.K. and the U.S.  which can save on costs. Wheelchair permit holders will further benefit from being able to park their vehicle for in a more convenient location. If you or your child has limited mobility then this can be a real plus point.

Short vs Long Journeys

Another consideration for choosing the right transport for your special needs child is the distance that you are travelling. While many special needs children will be comfortable travelling short distances around town on the bus or train, they may find longer journeys on public transport a challenge. After all, a couple of hours on a noisy train are enough to make anyone feel restless. In this case, having your own vehicle would alleviate the stress of  making sure that your child is comfortable, worrying when the next stop will be or disturbing the other passengers. If you want to take a longer trip, perhaps a family holiday, but don’t have access to your own vehicle, there’s another alternative. Wheelchair accessible vehicles are available to hire and there are many holiday companies that specialise in vacations for individuals with special needs and their families.

Finding a Balance between Independence and Comfort

Last but not least, depending on the age and capabilities of your special needs child, you may want to consider the balance between independence and ease when it comes to transport. A personal car or van is certainly more comfortable and much less hassle than public transport. However, many parents hope that their special needs child will be able to travel independently in the future and therefore learning how to use public transport together can be an essential step forward. For some families this might mean using a combination of both public and private transport, while for others that just might not be possible. There is a lot to consider when choosing the right transport for your special needs child. Good luck with finding the right option for your family.