All aboard for neuroinclusive train design
The rail industry is making strides in embracing neurodiversity, recognising the importance of full inclusivity across the entire passenger journey. From booking systems and station layouts to the design of rolling stock, every touchpoint can benefit from thoughtful, fully inclusive design. While the value of designing for neurodiversity is widely acknowledged—and the business case for inclusive travel is compelling—there remains a lack of clear, practical guidance for implementation. To truly transform rail travel for all, we must empower the design community with actionable insights. This article provides tangible steps for creating neuroinclusive train designs, with lessons that extend beyond rail to the transport and built environment sectors.
To truly transform rail travel for all, we must empower the design community with actionable insights
Setting the scene
For many, independent travel by car is not an option due to the challenges of obtaining or maintaining a driving licence. As such, modern rail systems play a vital role in enabling independent travel and, in turn, social mobility, underscoring the need for inclusive design.
In the UK and Europe, frameworks such as the Persons with Reduced Mobility Technical Specification for Interoperability (PRM TSI) and the National Technical Specification (NTSN) set out minimum requirements for inclusivity. These regulations are complemented by standards (ISO, EN, and BS), which address passengers’ diverse needs. However, while physical and sensory needs are well-defined, the cognitive needs of neurodiverse individuals—an estimated 15–20% of the global population—are often overlooked. The terms associated with this cognitive diversity are numerous and include Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Dyscalculia, among others.
This gap exists partly because the understanding of neurodiversity has recently advanced, and regulations take time to adapt. Cognitive diversity, with its inherent variability, also defies easy categorisation, making it harder to develop concrete design criteria. Neuroinclusive design seeks to bridge this gap, ensuring that rail environments cater to diverse sensory, cognitive, and emotional needs.
As illustrated in the diagram below, human capabilities that influence our interaction with products and services can be categorised into three core groups: Physical, Sensory, and Cognitive. The existing regulations and standards provide clear and measurable requirements for both physical and sensory capabilities. For example, clearways must have minimum widths and turning circles to ensure accessibility, and there are specific requirements for tactile buttons and visual contrast to assist individuals with limited vision. However, when it comes to neurological and cognitive diversity, there is significantly less detail available.
Learning from other sectors
Other industries offer valuable examples of how to create neuroinclusive environments. Supermarkets, cinemas and retail outlets have introduced ‘quiet times’ and sensory spaces to support those who feel overwhelmed by noise, crowds, or visual clutter. Similarly, although inconsistently applied, the concept of quiet carriages on trains has long provided respite for passengers seeking a low-stimulation environment.
These accommodations highlight the importance of recognising sensory differences. Many neurodiverse individuals experience heightened sensitivity to stimuli (hypersensitivity) or reduced responsiveness (hyposensitivity). For some, noise, lighting, and visual clutter can be overwhelming, while others may actively seek sensory input. Sensitivity varies widely—one person might be hyposensitive to light but hypersensitive to sound, or sensitive to multiple stimuli simultaneously. This variability creates a significant challenge for designers. A solution that reduces overstimulation for one group might inadvertently make the environment uncomfortable for another. The key to addressing this is flexibility—providing spaces with adjustable features and varied options that cater to diverse needs.
Beyond sensory considerations, many neurodiverse passengers face anxiety related to the unpredictability of train travel. Concerns about whether a train will arrive on time, if seating will be available, or even the prospect of sitting next to a stranger can make the journey daunting.
Designing trains for neuroinclusion requires addressing both environmental and communication factors
This highlights the importance of clear, consistent communication. By addressing uncertainties through intuitive design and real-time information, rail operators can significantly improve the experience for neurodiverse passengers. Consequently, design considerations for neuroinclusion can generally be categorised into two main groups:
- Environment - Developing environments that take into account the sensory responses of different individuals.
- Communication - Explicitly considering how the presentation of information (including its absence) impacts various individuals.
These two groups can further be subdivided into specific areas of concern. The list of considerations presented here is not exhaustive but is intended as a starting point to inform the design process.
Designing trains for neuroinclusion requires addressing both environmental and communication factors. By balancing sensory preferences and reducing uncertainty, the rail industry can create spaces that work for a wider range of passengers.
Key factors to consider when creating neuroinclusive environments include:
Lighting
- Control the intensity of lighting levels (avoiding both very bright and very dimly lit areas).
- Adopt neutral colours, with lighting temperatures between 2700 K and 3000 K (where possible adjusting the temperature to align with time of day).
- Minimise strobing and flickering of light sources.
- Where possible avoid direct light sources, adopting diffusers or recessed light sources.
- Model lighting across the entire space to eliminate shadows and dark corners.
- Consider lighting transitions between zones (ensuring intensity ratios are less than 3:1).
- Where possible make provision for natural, external lighting (particularly on long corridors).
- Provide mitigations to control external light (e.g. sunlight).
Noise
- Where possible eliminate or reduce ‘artificial’ sounds (e.g. whirring fans, rattling, knocking, dripping). This may include various noise types, including unpredictable, repetitive, intermittent or continuous, from loud to very quiet. It is important to note the type of sound is just as important as the dB reading.
- Control for echoes (sound reflections) using soft absorbent materials (e.g. absorbent flooring).
- Include partitions (e.g. doors and draught screens) to contain noise sources in specific zones.
- Where possible create and communicate the location of quiet zones.
Décor and flooring – Colours, material and finishes
- Minimise the use of vivid colours and focus on colours that are in abundance in nature.
- Ensure a careful and considered use of highly reflective materials (e.g. mirrors). Where possible, adopt low-reflection (matt or low-sheen) surfaces.
- Where possible, minimise visual “noise” which may be caused by light, glare, shadows, colours, patterns, and movement.
- Consider that some people may have strong reactions to some fabric textures (e.g. harsh or rough).
- Where patterns are applied, these should have lower levels of colour contrast. Geometric and repetitive patterns should be avoided.
Layout
- Where possible, provide familiarity & consistency (e.g. location of features and facilities) within, and between, trains.
- Careful consideration of Proxemics should be made – this may include measures to define personal space when seated (e.g. armrests, seat dividers and headrest ‘wings’).
- Consider mitigation to allowing passing without physical contact (e.g. passing places).
- Create luggage provision that is visible to minimise anxiety.
- Where possible, create visual balance (through symmetry and spacing).
Temperature and air quality (including odour)
- Manage temperature and humidity (excess heat and humidity can exacerbate proxemics).
- Control airflow around known odour sources (e.g. toilets and catering facilities).
- Considered use of air fresheners (strong fragrances and chemicals to mask smells can compound the issue).
- Wherever possible, filter air being circulated (e.g. pollen filters).
- Control for the use of materials and finishes (including carpets) containing toxins or emitting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs).
- Ensure sufficient cleaning cycles to control odours.
Key factors to consider in neuroinclusive communications include:
Printed signage
- Adopt appropriate typefaces (considering typefaces that have been developed with dyslexia in mind).
- Provide a clear structure and hierarchy to information.
- Adopt clear and simple sentences.
- Ensure good levels of visual contrast in text and signage.
Digital signage
- Adopt the above guidance for printed signage.
- Ensure appropriate screen refresh rates and viewing angles.
- Time screen transitions based on screen content.
Colour coding of features
- Consistent use of colour for touch points (e.g. all handholds and handrails the same colour).
- Where appropriate adopt colour coding of throughways.
- Use of colour for zoning (notably vestibules).
- Provide clear features that can be used in verbal instructions.
Tactile information
- Where possible, provide tactile information on signage.
- Avoid the use of excessive tactile information to reduce the likelihood of overload.
Auditory information
- Ensure that auditory information is at a controlled level above background noise (providing dynamic adjustment where possible).
- Carefully time announcements based on the time required to action (e.g. plan the time to announce an upcoming station).
- Minimise non-critical information (e.g. advertising and promotions).
- Announcements should be short, consistent, and clear.
Toward neuroinclusive train design
Truly inclusive design is a collective effort involving regulators, TOCs, designers, engineers, suppliers and testers. Each contributes to shaping the final product, but success lies in stepping back to consider the whole multisensory experience. Neuroinclusive spaces require a clear, unified design vision established early and refined through collaboration with neurodiverse passengers. Engaging people with lived experience ensures that designs are both practical and empowering.
Truly inclusive design is a collective effort involving regulators, TOCs, designers, engineers, suppliers and testers
A practical framework for inclusion
To embed neuroinclusion effectively into train design, the following three-step process can serve as a practical guide:
- Recognise - Understand the diverse needs of passengers and staff, including their physical, sensory, and cognitive requirements.
- Consider - Evaluate how the train design impacts on these needs and make the necessary adjustments to improve inclusivity. Take time to reflect on potential trade-offs. What are the potential impacts of design decisions (both positive and negative) on other physical, cognitive, or sensory needs?
- Evaluate - Test and validate the design with representative passengers and staff, ensuring that the final product reflects their experiences.
By adopting this approach, the rail industry can deliver train designs that reach beyond compliance, creating spaces that truly empower and welcome everyone. Neuroinclusive design is essential to building a rail network that reflects the diversity of its users - allowing a wider range of people to enjoy independent travel and the social mobility opportunities that train travel offers.
Neuroinclusive design is essential to building a rail network that reflects the diversity of its users
