Ding ding, round two, trains.

Each destination is kind enough to tell you it’s name and you can count how many stops away it is to where you need to get off. So for me that’s a step up from the bus. But you still have that awkward moment when the train is packed, your balance is rubbish at the best of times so you need to sit down, but a rather passive aggressive looking person has their bag on the only available seat. Then you have to ask, “Can I sit there please?” to make them reluctantly move it like they’ve just done you a favour.  This is supposed to be public transport, not bag transport.

If I had a walking stick or crutch, I probably would get a better response, but just because I can walk, their bag is more important than me. GRRRRR!!! And then I’m angry and feeling awkward, and my emotions are going mental making my head spin.

Ding ding, round three, underground train.

In London you know if you get the tube, you are going to have to stand with your nose wedged in some smelly blokes armpit as he braises himself whilst stood in the aisle. That is almost a given, but even if you can get over that (which is a challenge at the best on times) there’s all the nonsense that happens even before you get to that delicious icing of the cake.

There’s platforms that you have to walk miles to get to (OK that’s an exaggeration) , and it’s so hot down there. It might be freezing outside, but the heat in the tunnels hits you as you make your way down. Not great when you struggle to control your temperature at the best of times. And everyone’s so focused on getting where they want to go, they just knock you over. (Sending me flying isn’t the sort of public transport I am looking for.)

One day a elderly lady tripped and fell at the end of an escalator and if it hadn’t been for my partner James holding the crowds back, she would have been crushed.

This rant could go on forever, but hopefully you get the point. Public transport really isn’t ideal for someone with a brain injury, so of you are able to help a survivor out with the odd lift, please do. You’ll be helping them so much more than just making it easier for them to get to their destination.