TFL Equity in Motion - Calm spaces for neurodivergent customers

This preliminary engagement notice is issued by Transport for London (TfL) and seeks to obtain market feedback on potential solutions to give neurodivergent customers a calm, quiet space when travelling on the TfL public transport network. 

Its primary objective is to assess whether an off‑the‑shelf product can effectively meet the needs of neurodivergent customers, operate successfully within a live operational environment, and identify potential risks and opportunities across supply, operations, and cost models.

 TfL's customer inclusion strategy, Equity in Motion, sets out how we are unlocking opportunity for Londoners by breaking down unfair barriers to travel. We are continuously looking for ways to make our network more inclusive and accessible.  

Approximately 10 million journeys are made on TfL's public transport network per day, making for a busy, bustling, sensory-overloaded system. Given the transport system is over a century old, it was not designed to consider neurological difference; it falls far short of the principles and best practice showcased in PAS 6463: Design for the Mind: Neurodiversity & the Built Environment.   

The overarching objectives of exploring a calm, quiet or seclusion space are to: 

- Test a possible solution to make our network more inclusive for neurodivergent customers 

- Meet our duties under the Equality Act and the Public Sector Equality Duty 

- TfL is looking to trial a product in a busy operational environment to test appetite and usage.  

- Space has been identified on the main concourse at Paddington Elizabeth line station.

We want to understand market capability and harness innovation.