Suffolk teen confident after first supported train ride

A teenage boy who had never travelled by train said his fears had been eased and he felt calm and confident after going on a supported first journey.

Michael, 16, joined fellow pupils from Felixstowe School for the “try a train” session run by Suffolk County Council (SCC).

“It’s my first time on a train, and I felt a bit nervous, but I’m OK with it now – it’s a lot calmer and nicer [than expected],” he said.

Speaking about why the scheme was run, travel trainer Sadie Reeve said: “A lot of children post-16 have been reliant on mums, dads and taxis, and going to college is a huge step for them.

“Some have quite a journey to make. Apart from starting college, it’s really daunting to have to access transport for the first time.”

The scheme, which particularly targets children with additional needs, also aims to reduce council spending. Anyone who completes the full training is no longer eligible for council-funded taxi journeys, external.

School transport currently costs SCC about £60m per year, of which £44m is for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).