Pupils with special educational needs (SEN) are gaining confidence and independence through a pioneering immersive technology travel training project. By simulating real-life bus journeys, the initiative helps students become familiar with public transport in a safe and supportive way. 

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is working in collaboration with Billing Brook School, Café Track, Stagecoach, and BT’s Immersive Hub, to support students transitioning from door-to-door transport to more independent group travel. The bespoke immersive technology and virtual reality (VR) content guides pupils through each step of the journey, from waiting at the bus stop to recognising landmarks, empowering them to travel with greater ease and assurance. 

The training blends classroom sessions with real-world experiences, including supported journeys to Café Track, a local social enterprise that helps provide autistic people with employment skills and opportunities. Café Track has also played a vital role in the pilot, providing personal assistants on the bus and delivering neurodiversity training to bus drivers.

An open day at Billing Brook School showcased the Immersive Hub and welcomed other SEN schools, parents, and university representatives to learn about the pilot. Stagecoach supported the event by bringing a bus on-site for students to explore and meet the driver. 

Between April and July this year, 90 students successfully completed Independent Travel Training as part of the pilot programme. The pilot team has been closely monitoring their progress, with a focus on helping students build the confidence and skills needed to transition towards more independent and group-based travel options. 

While 19 of these students are currently applying their training by using the dedicated closed bus service introduced through the pilot, all 90 have demonstrated measurable progress. Many have moved away from relying solely on door-to-door transport and are now better equipped to explore more independent travel arrangements. 

Early feedback from parents has been overwhelmingly positive, with many noting a newfound sense of independence and confidence in their children as a direct result of the scheme. 

“This innovative pilot is a fantastic example of how technology and collaboration can transform lives. By helping young people with special educational needs gain the confidence to use public transport, we’re not only supporting their independence but also creating a more inclusive and accessible transport network. I’m proud to see our transport services playing a key role in empowering the next generation.”

Cllr Richard Butler, Cabinet Member for Highways & Transport at WNC