The Bus Boarding Project

A research collaboration between the University of Birmingham and Solihull Independent Travel Training Team

Initial evidence suggests that bus boarding is complicated and has multiple pressures, creating journey completion problems for some young people. In particular, this research seeks to elevate the knowledge, views and experiences of young people with hidden disabilities during their independent travel transitions.

Visual research methods (illustrations of bus boarding scenes) will be used to elicit responses before disseminating findings at a stakeholder event. Then, a new MOOC and accreditation will be developed with young people and travel companies to help improve journey completion and encourage the growth of a travel ally community for young people with hidden disabilities.     

Project team

Dr Sarah Brooks-Wilson: Principle Investigator

Project dates

October 2023 to March 2025    

Funding

This research was supported at the University of Birmingham by the Birmingham Institutional Impact Fund.

Outputs

Project report and academic journal articles.

Associated projects

Shifting Journey Cards animated explainer

Shifting Journey Cards Final Report

Associated publications

Brooks-Wilson, S., (2024), Doing car-based youth justice appointments during young people’s mobility transitions. in G. Martin & E. Pearce (eds), Research Handbook on Youth Criminology. Edward Elgar.

Brooks-Wilson, S., (2023), 'The Youth Justice Commute (or the Institutional Construction of Youth Transport Poverty)', Youth Justice, pp. 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1177/14732254231202683

Brooks-Wilson, S., (2020), ‘Rethinking Youth Justice Journeys: Complex Needs, Impeded Capabilities and Criminalisation’ Youth Justice, pp. 309-327. https://doi.org/10.1177/1473225419893791