Patience Please: Making Rail Travel More Inclusive for People with Parkinson's

Client: Parkinson's UK

Rail travel can be immensely challenging for people living with Parkinson’s. Busy platforms, fast-changing environments and a lack of understanding from fellow passengers can trigger anxiety, freezing and exhaustion, making journeys daunting and isolating.

Trainline recognised that while it does not control rail infrastructure, it holds a unique position to influence passenger behaviour. Partnering with Parkinson’s UK, Trainline set out to address one of the biggest barriers identified by the Parkinson’s community: a lack of awareness and empathy from others.

Together, Trainline and Parkinson's UK co-created a simple, practical solution – a free awareness badge reading “Patience Please, Travel is Challenging for me.” Designed with people living with Parkinson’s at its heart, the badge wording, fastening and distribution were all shaped by lived experience to ensure dignity, accessibility and ease of use.

Launched in November 2025, the campaign achieved national media coverage and strong public engagement. With 460 badges ordered to date, the partnership has reduced travel anxiety, increased awareness of Parkinson’s and demonstrated how a small and practical item can create meaningful social change at scale.