Using Public Transport

Timing

You should think about the timing of your journey. For example, you may be struggling with joint stiffness early in the morning and need some time to get your joints moving. This might mean that you have to wake up a lot earlier than usual to get ready for work, which can be difficult if you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep due to your arthritis. 

Try to avoid commuting on public transport during peak hours, as this can present its own challenges. Travel in peak hours can take longer due to traffic, and it may require sitting or standing for long periods of time, which can exaggerate your symptoms. 

Solution

One solution could be to talk to your employer about working with a more flexible schedule. If you can adjust your start and finish times to avoid having to travel during peak hours, this could be a great help. 

Helpful Resources

Here is a template you can use to send an email to your boss about your transportation difficulties:

Subject: Request for Assistance on [Specific Task/Project]

Dear [Boss’s Name],

I am writing to request reasonable adjustments to my work schedule. As you may be aware, I consider myself a disabled person under section 6(1) of the Equality Act 2010.

I want to provide some background regarding my condition and its impact on my day-to-day tasks. [Explain your condition and how it affects your work, including any specific disadvantages you face. You can mention if you require multiple adjustments.]

Section 20 of the Equality Act 2010 outlines the legal duty of employers to make reasonable adjustments for disabled employees who face substantial disadvantages compared to their non-disabled counterparts. These adjustments can encompass:
- Changes to the physical environment.
- Alterations to organisational practices, policies, and procedures.
- Provision of auxiliary aids.

In my case, I believe the following adjustments are necessary to address the disadvantages I face:
[Explain the specific changes you require, how they will mitigate your disadvantages, and why these adjustments are reasonable considering the size and resources of the employer. Anticipate potential objections and address them proactively, whether related to cost, human resources, or practicality.]

I request a written response to this request within [14] days. I will discuss this further to provide additional context or clarify any details. Additionally, I am open to being referred to an Occupational Health practitioner who can assess my needs and offer recommendations.

I look forward to receiving your response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Travel to the station/airport

The commute begins before you hop on a bus, catch a train or board a plane; it begins the moment you leave the house. So, before you decide on your mode of transport, you should first take into account: 

1. How will you get to the bus/rail station or airport? 
2. How much will this journey add to your total travel time? 

Solution

When it comes to calculating commuting time, Google Maps can be a great place to start. It will calculate: 

• How far you’ll be travelling 
• How long your journey is (by train, bus, car, or on foot) 
• How traffic and road works might affect your journey

Accessibility

Most public transport hubs, including train stations, railway stations, bus stations and airports, have initiatives in place to support travellers with additional access needs. 

However, when you’re planning to take a trip, whether short- or long-distance, it’s always a good idea to do some research ahead of your journey. That way you can check whether your healthcare and mobility needs will be met. 

When thinking about accessibility, you might want to bear in mind:

1. How accessible is the station itself? If you’re travelling with a wheelchair, will there be stairs or narrow corridors to contend with? 
2. Is there a long walk from one station to the next (e.g. tube) if you need to change transport?
3. Does the transport hub have dedicated spaces for rest and relaxation? 
4. Are there transport staff on hand to help if you need them, or will you need to book this in advance? 
5. Are there facilities on site providing food or refreshments? 

Solution

If you think you might need extra support while travelling, you may be able to register for a passenger assist scheme. Most airports, and some train companies, have these schemes in place. 

Once you’ve registered, you’ll be given a lanyard to wear which tells transport staff and other passengers that you might need additional care and attention. 

In some cases, you can pre-register before your travel date. Get in touch with your travel provider to see if this might be an option for you. 

If you’re travelling in London, Transport for London can provide a ‘Please offer me a seat’ badge for you to wear and use on the Underground, as well as on city buses, river transport and Overground services. 

‘Please offer me a seat badge’ scheme.

Freedom of movement

Whichever mode of transport you choose to travel by, you’re likely to be sitting for the majority of your journey. 

Solution

Everyone can feel discomfort in their joints and muscles when they’re sitting still for long periods of time, but there are a few things you can do to make your trip more comfortable. These include:

1. Booking a seat with extra leg room, if it’s available 
2. Upgrading to business class, if possible 

You may be able to request this from your employer for work travel due to having a disabling health condition. To learn more about the Access to Work scheme, you can explore the Access to Work scheme in detail.

1. Planning your journey to allow for breaks along the way, where you can move around and stretch your legs 
2. Bringing along anything that will help you feel more comfortable, like a travel pillow and blanket 

While on the move, it’s always a good idea to try and change position as often as you can to avoid stiffness. You could also combat discomfort by doing some simple stretching exercises during your journey.

Travelling with equipment or luggage

Carrying around luggage and equipment, such as a laptop bag, rucksack or suitcase filled with travel essentials, can present an added challenge for your trip, especially on days where fatigue and joint pain is already high. 

Solution

It’s important to remember to prioritise joint protection when you’re travelling. To do this, you should try to take a preventive approach and manage how you’re loading your joints. 

 Using ergonomically designed luggage and travel accessories could be a potential solution. 

If you’re travelling alone, it’s also a good idea to think about where your luggage will be stored during transport. Keep in mind that you might need to ask for help if your luggage needs to be kept in an overhead locker, for example.

Travelling to different time zones

Long-distance journeys can be challenging for a number of reasons. When travelling long-distance, you’re likely to be seated for long stretches of time. This can cause discomfort, stiffness and pain in the muscles and joints.

If you’re travelling further afield, you might also be landing in a different time zone, which can lead to jet lag. Jet lag can cause additional strain that it’s important to be aware of, especially when added to existing fatigue. 

Symptoms of jet lag include: 

• Extreme fatigue 
• Disrupted sleep schedule 
• Nausea 
• Loss of appetite 
• Stomach pain or discomfort 
• Mood changes 

Solution

Whilst there’s no real way to fully prevent jet lag, there are a few steps you can take to reduce its effects, including: 

1. Arriving early 

If you’re travelling to attend a particular event, it could be a good idea for you to arrive in your new time zone a few days early to give your body time to properly adjust. 

2. Rest well before you travel 

If you’re already fatigued before you travel, your jet lag might be worse. Be sure to rest well in the days running up to your travel date. 

3. Make gradual adjustments to your schedule before you leave 

When you land in your new time zone, it can take a while for your body to catch up. To help your body adjust more quickly, try gradually altering your sleeping and eating schedule in the days leading up to your trip. If you’re travelling east, try to eat and go to bed an hour earlier than you usually would. If you’re travelling west, shift your eating and drinking to an hour later than usual. 

4. Drink plenty of water 

Dehydration can make the effects of jet lag worse, so it’s important to stay hydrated throughout your journey. Avoiding coffee and alcohol is also a good idea. 

5. Stick to your schedule as much as possible 

If it will be nighttime when you land in your new destination, try to sleep while you travel to help your body clock readjust. Travelling with ear plugs, headphones, an eye mask and a blanket can help make your journey more comfortable and give you the rest you need.