Driving Independence: Travel Training with East Coast Buses
For many young adults, stepping onto a bus is second nature - a simple part of daily life. But for those who are autistic or have additional support needs (ASN), public transport can be overwhelming. From buying a ticket and ringing the bell to navigating unexpected situations, it takes more than just confidence to travel independently. That’s why at Edge Group Scotland, we make travel training a cornerstone of our Transitions Programme.
It’s that time of year again when our good friends at East Coast Buses join us at Eskmills for hands-on travel training - now their third visit to our campus. Each year, these sessions prove invaluable for our young adults, offering reassurance, practical know-how, and the chance to build confidence in a safe and supportive environment.
This year’s session was extra special, as the team brought along a gleaming double decker fresh from the fleet - brand new upholstery, paintwork, and on its very first outing in East Coast livery. The occasion was not only exciting for our programme participants, but also a meaningful step on their journey to greater independence.
Learning the skills that matter
The session was led by Olivia, Accessibility Officer at East Coast Buses, who, alongside Damian, one of East Coast Buses’ Managers (and our driver for the day), created a safe, engaging environment for our participants to explore. The bus became a classroom on wheels, where young adults could ask questions, practise pressing the bell, and understand what to do if they miss their stop or feel unsafe.
Hands-on experiences like this make all the difference. Participants climbed into the driver’s seat, tried issuing tickets, and explored every corner of the bus at their own pace. With plenty of buttons being pressed and systems tested, the brand-new battery even needed a little boost—cue the arrival of Zander, Supervisor at East Coast Buses, who ensured the bus was ready to continue its maiden outing. The accessibility team were exceptional—fielding every question with patience and care, and reinforcing the message that bus drivers are there to help.
Why travel training matters
At Edge, we believe that independent travel is more than just getting from A to B—it is a life skill that unlocks choice, opportunity, and confidence. Being able to use public transport means our young adults can access work placements, attend appointments, meet friends, and participate fully in their communities. It also reduces reliance on funded transport or family lifts, offering greater dignity and freedom to individuals and reassurance to their families.
This isn’t a one-off experience. Travel training is embedded throughout our Transitions Programme, with repeated opportunities to practise journeys, build confidence, and apply skills in real-world settings. Over time, what begins as a daunting challenge becomes second nature—a milestone worth celebrating.
A community effort
We are incredibly grateful to Olivia, Damian, Zander, and the East Coast accessibility team for sharing their time, expertise, and enthusiasm. A big thank you also goes to Scott and the Eskmills team for facilitating the visit, and to our neighbours for their patience with a temporarily busier car park and a bit of extra noise.
Together, these partnerships help our young adults believe in themselves, transform their skills, and achieve greater independence—the very essence of our mission at Edge Group Scotland.