Teenagers gain confidence riding trains in Suffolk
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Sixteen-year-old Michael, a student at Felixstowe School in Suffolk, England, overcame his initial nervousness and felt confident after completing a “try a train” session organized by Suffolk County Council.
The program supports teenagers, especially those with additional needs, in learning to travel independently by train. Sadie Reeve, a travel trainer, explained that many students rely on family or taxis to get to college and that learning to use public transport is a significant step towards independence.
The scheme aims to reduce the council’s £60 million annual school transport costs, £44 million of which supports children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Completing the training means students are no longer eligible for council-funded taxi services. Students like Cameron, who hadn’t travelled alone since his 11th birthday, worried about navigating stations and safety, but the session helped ease those concerns.
Sharon Roper, a special needs administrator, noted the pupils were enthusiastic and already planning to use their new skills. Since the program launched in 2015, 1,000 children in Suffolk have received the training, learning skills from purchasing tickets to handling emergencies. The council provides a bus or train pass upon completion and maintains that participation is voluntary, focusing on supporting young people who express a desire for greater independence.
