Crisis Services
ASERT does not offer crisis services through our Resource Center. If you or someone you love is experiencing mental health distress or thoughts of suicide please call or text 988 for support.
Public Transportation Social Stories
Overview
This is a collection of social stories that explain how to use different types of public transportation that were created by ASERT.
If I need a ride somewhere, I can use public transportation and take a bus.
I will find the nearest bus stop and stand by the sign to let the driver know I’m waiting when they arrive.
If it’s dark out, I will wear bright colored clothing or signal the driver so they know there is someone to pick up.
I will check the bus number and destination above the windshield to make sure I get on the right bus. If I’m still not sure, I will ask the driver.
Before getting on the bus, I will let others exit first and then enter in the door closest to the driver.
My ticket, bus pass, or payment (with exact change) will be in my hand as I walk on.
After I pay the driver, I will find a seat. If it’s crowded I will make sure to hold my stuff on my lap or near my feet.
If I cannot find a seat, I will stand and hold onto the hand grips or poles for my safety.
I will respect others and their personal space on the bus.
I will pull the chord or push the stop button right before my destination so the driver knows to stop.
If I am unsure about my stop, I will ask the driver for help.
I can also use the bus company’s website to find the price, the amount of time it will take, and bus transfer information ahead of time.
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If I need to get somewhere in the city, I can take the subway.
I will find the nearest subway entrance and buy a ticket. If I can, I will buy my ticker or subway pass ahead of time.
Next, I will walk to the ticket barrier and insert my ticket or scan my subway card.
I will walk to the correct platform and wait for my train behind the yellow lines.
If this subway is too crowded or noisy and I’m not in a rush, I’ll wait for the next train.
When the train arrives, I will let others exit before I get on.
I will find a seat or a place to stand, hold my stuff, and respect others.
I will know the order of stops so I can be ready with all of my things when it’s time to get off.
I will make sure I am exiting safely but quickly since the doors are on a timer.
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If I need a ride in the city, I can take a taxi.
If I see the yellow taxi with a lit up “available” sign on top, I will stand on the sidewalk and wave the driver down.
I will tell the driver the exact address of where I need to go and make sure I have enough money to pay for the fare and a tip.
I will get into the backseat of the taxi with my all of my stuff.
For my safety, I will wear my seatbelt, tell a friend/family member where I’m going, and be respectful of the driver.
I will wait for the driver to unlock the door when we arrive. I will thank the driver, take my things, and exit.
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If I need to take a trip somewhere further away, I can take a train.
I will buy a ticket at the train station or online ahead of time.
I will walk to the correct platform and wait for it to arrive safely behind the lines.
Once it arrives, I will let others exit and then show my ticket to the conductor as I walk on.
If I don’t have an assigned seating area, I will find a seat myself and be respectful of those around me.
Most trains have a quiet car where I can sit if the noise or other passengers become overstimulating.
I will keep my ticket out since the conductor will ask to see it again.
If I need to use the restroom on the train, I will make sure to wait my turn if there’s a line and lock the door once I’m in there.
Before the train arrives at my stop, I will make sure I have all of my stuff and exit safely out the nearest door.
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When I need a ride somewhere, I can use the Uber or Lyft apps for public transportation.
Once I request my ride, I will wait inside and stay aware of my surroundings.
I will move away from the crowd when the driver arrives so they can easily spot me.
Before I talk to the driver, I will make sure the license plate number, the color of the car, and the type of car match the information on the app.
I will ask the driver “who are you picking up?” to make sure this ride is for me. If they say any other name than my own or refuse to answer the question, I will not get in the car.
I will only sit in the back of the car and get in and out on the passenger side.
For my safety, I will always wear my seatbelt and make sure the door remains unlocked. If the child lock is on, I will ask the driver to unlock the car.
If I am alone, I will make sure the person I am meeting or any friend/family member has my ride information and details.
If I am anxious, I will call a friend/family member in the car so I feel less alone.
If I think I’m an emergency situation, I will call 911 or use the panic button on the Uber and Lyft apps that call 911.
I will watch the GPS feature on the app to make sure my driver stays on route.
When we arrive at my destination, I will ask my driver to park in a well-lit, safe area and then exit.
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Other downloads
| Name | Description | Type | File |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | Social Story | Download file: Bus | |
| Subway | Social Story | Download file: Subway | |
| Taxi | Social Story | Download file: Taxi | |
| Train | Social Story | Download file: Train | |
| Uber and Lyft | Social Story | Download file: Uber and Lyft |
This information was developed by the Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative (ASERT). For more information, please contact ASERT at 877-231-4244 or info@PAautism.org. ASERT is funded by the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations, PA Department of Human Services.