My Experience of Catching the Train Independently 

That’s right you read the title right, I finally caught the train on my own!!

Catching the train independently is something that I’ve been working towards for a while, as I’m not the most confident of drivers so it was something that I knew I needed to do to visit friends who live in different cities. But, I’ve always put it off, I’ve said at least for the past two years this will be the year I get the train on my own. Yet, nothing and always found alternatives due to my lack of confidence and disability-related anxiety.

I know I have anxiety around this and that’s valid I have a lot to think about when it comes to wobbling and at times my lack of common sense around these situations because I’ve never done it independently before. Yet, I’ve relied on my parents enough now, I’m almost 24, and I want to move out in the next few years so I need to become more independent. Yes, I’m a big believer in interdependence, not independence but still, I needed to stop making excuses and at least give it a go!

So, when I met friends in Manchester last weekend to see Hamilton (which was incredible) it was my chance to give it a go and get the train from Sheffield to Manchester. I was excited by this opportunity and felt ready to gain a little bit more independence!

I booked my train over a week in advance as I wanted to secure a seat and not have the easy part looming over me. I also booked assistance using the Passenger Assistance App which has been developed by disabled people themselves. I could register the support I needed on the app and a bit about me which I found useful as on the occasion I wasn’t going in my wheelchair but I know that I will need to register that for future journey’s therefore, I could add in more details.

Assistance put me on the train at Meadowhall Sheffield, I was hesitant about whether I needed this as I knew I possibly could get on independently but due to my anxiety, it was better to have that support there. Unfortunately, I was ‘helped’ into the wrong carriage resulting in me having to stand the whole way, as I was moved from the seat I did find after the first stop. It’s a fairly direct train to Manchester with few stops so I wasn’t able to move to my carriage as I knew I wouldn’t be able to walk independently on a moving train. I did tell assistance I had a seat booked and was frustrated that I was put in the wrong carriage but I have reflected on this and need to ensure that I make this clearer next time.

Getting on the train in Manchester, I did have a bit of help from my friend who found assistance for me as I hadn’t even figured out where my platform was! Thankfully, the assistance was prepared and got me on the train with support, I was still advised to sit anywhere though. This was fine because it was a late train and wasn’t busy but I do need to make sure next time I’m put on the right carriage.

Eventually, when I got off the train in Meadowhall I couldn’t find any assistance. I didn’t appreciate the last comment of my independence day as I was wobbling trying to find assistance in Meadowhall I was asked if I was “p****d”. I mean it happens often but what a way to bring me back down to earth as I was feeling super proud of myself stepping back off the train and into Sheffield.

Could things have been better on their behalf? Yes, they could.

Could I have advocated for myself better? Yes, I could.

Overall, it was something that I needed to do and I will certainly be doing it again! I need to reflect on this and learn how to book assistance both ways. Luckily for me, both stations were small so I was fine. I’m still glad I used the brilliant Passenger Assistance App and highly recommend it!

Despite being standing my first trip could have gone a lot worse, I’m looking forward to getting better at this for future adventures!

Thank you for reading,

Georgia x