Supported Employment Service hosts Try a Train and Bus Workshops

Optalis Supported Employment Service recently provided a series of try a train and bus workshops. Offering people the opportunity to gain experience and confidence using public transport. People prepared for their journey with a workshop, covering some top tips for safe travel, planning journeys and what to do in an emergency.

They then met at Wokingham station to learn more about train travel. Finding out how ticket and information machines worked and how to navigate the station barriers and read departure boards. Following a short train journey to Reading station the group then visited Reading Bus Depot to learn more about bus travel.

Viewing the control room, they learnt about how buses are managed and had the opportunity to ask questions. Everyone then took a tour of a bus, discussed where to sit and how to get the bus to stop.

Feedback included:

“Lockdown stopped me getting public transport, so it was hard when it started again, this helped build confidence.”

“It showed me how to take the bus and train. If we get stuck or are struggling on the barriers and ticket machine, we can ask someone for help if we need.”

“I enjoyed the journey into Reading. I had a tour of Wokingham station which was helpful. I will need more practice before travelling on my own.”