If you have executive functioning issues, whether those are caused by an official diagnosis such as ADHD or just some general weaknesses in time management, planning, and organization, there are all sorts of areas in life that might be more challenging for you.
It can be hard to get assignments in on time. Planning out big projects well in advance of the due date can be tricky. Even getting bills paid on time might be a challenge – not because you don’t have the money, but because you just can’t remember to do it by a certain date!
One thing that many people don’t realize is that even navigating a city to get from place to place can be challenging for individuals with executive functioning issues.
Whether you need to take the bus, the subway, or some other form of transportation, using public transit with executive functioning issues can be difficult. In this post, we’ll give you some tips on how to make it easier.
1. Get a Map
Map your route ahead of time to avoid stress. Do this for every trip, even the ones that are routine.
Having a visual idea of where you will need to get on the bus, get off the bus, and of any transfers you need to make can reduce stress and confusion when you’re in transit.
The good news is that you don’t have to rely on paper maps anymore (at least, not in most cities). Some major cities, like London, Los Angeles, and New York, now have smartphone apps for public transportation that show timetables, help you plan routes, and even display maps.
2. Nickname Stops
Remembering the name of stops can be confusing – and if you feel as though you already have enough clutter floating around in your brain, it can be downright overwhelming.
You can nickname the stops you need to remember by using mnemonic devices or even color-coding. Color-coding is especially helpful for train lines – which is why many cities already use color-coding (like the Blue Line or Red Line) in their naming systems for subways and buses.
3. Manage Your Schedule
When you’re trying to decide which form of public transportation to use, it’s important that you consider your own habits and personal preferences.
While a person with strong planning and time management skills might not have any trouble rushing to a 6 am bus stop (despite being a night owl and having been up since 3 am!), that’s certainly not the case for everyone.
In fact, if you have issues with prioritization and time management, you may have a hard time getting out the door on time as it is.
Set yourself up for success by finding a form of public transportation that works with you, instead of against you. If you don’t know that you’ll be able to roll out of bed and get to the bus by 6 am, maybe taking a subway (that operates on a more regular schedule with more frequent stops) is a better choice.
Maybe you could find a different bus line that has a later stop.
Whatever the case may be, consider your own weaknesses and traits and work with them, instead of against them.
4. Get Reusable Tickets
Some public transportation systems, like New York City’s Metro, allow you to buy a ticket card that can be preloaded with “coins” and can be reused again and again without having to purchase additional credit each time.
These reusable cards are ideal for people who struggle with organization and planning, since they automate much of the process involved in boarding public transportation. No more worrying about forgetting cash or purchasing a new ticket each time. You’re already good to go!
5. Look for Colors and Logos
Especially if you’re using public transit in a new city, it can be confusing to figure out which services are legitimate local taxis and buses and which are not. Look for logos and colors that are consistently displayed as a way to remember where to get on and which taxis to flag down.
Keeping an eye out for memorable landmarks can help you remember where you need to go, too. If you know that the doctor’s office you’re headed to is in a nondescript office building, but is right next to a large McDonald’s, you can remember that McDonald’s as a way to differentiate your stop from the next.
Then, if you happen to get off too early or too late, you can locate that landmark as a way to figure out where you need to go in order to correct yourself.
6. Plan Ahead for Bad Weather
Some forms of public transit will be impacted by bad weather, causing schedule changes and delays. If you have executive functioning issues, you may not plan ahead for these – but being aware of potential issues is essential.
Keep an umbrella and an extra raincoat in your bag in case you need to seek shelter from a rainstorm while you wait for a delayed bus. Don’t take them out of the bag, even when the weather’s nice – that way, you’ll be prepared even if you fail to check the weather forecast. It’s also a good idea to keep a set of sneakers in your bag in case you need to talk to another stop in case you missed the first one.
7. Keep Your Belongings Safe
This is sound advice when navigating any city in general, and not just on public transportation. However, when you’re trying to figure out maps and decode bus schedules, you really only have the brain space to focus on one thing at a time. You might not be focusing on your personal safety – which puts you at risk of theft or other crimes.
Keep your belongings safe by putting them somewhere safe (besides your pocket). Try not to travel late at night and do your best to be aware of your surroundings, even if you’re focused on something else. Eliminate all other distractions – put the headphones away until you’ve arrived safely at your destination!
8. Have a Backup Plan
Come up with a backup plan in case your journey on public transit doesn’t go as smoothly as you’d like. Planning can be a challenge for some people with executive functioning issues, but it’s a good idea to investigate the alternatives.
If you miss the bus, can you hail a taxi? If the subway is out of service, can you take a local bus route? Can you use a ride-sharing app?
Whatever the case may be, sit down before you leave the house and write out some alternatives. Also, take the time to do any prep work that might be required for those back-ups. If you plan on relying on ride-sharing as your backup, for example, you may want to download the appropriate apps (like Uber).
9. Ask for Help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Look for someone with a badge or another “official”-looking piece of attire. You can even ask local commuters for help, though this may be a less reliable strategy.
It can be embarrassing to ask for help, but keep in mind that many people in train stations, on subway platforms, and at bus stops are willing to help lost or confused travelers. This is a common situation – don’t feel silly for asking.
You can ask if you are on the right platform or if the incoming train will take you in the right direction. Sometimes, you can even ask bus drivers to tell you when they’ve reached your stop by giving you a head’s up a couple of stops before. In general, it’s a good idea to sit near the bus driver in case you need help navigating.
By being polite and courteous in your requests, there’s a good chance that someone will be willing to help you out.
Plan Ahead for Using Public Transit – Safe Travels!
For individuals with executive functioning issues, taking public transit can be a wise choice. It allows you to socialize, stimulate the brain, and of course, to get from place to place without having to own a car and deal with all the mundane (and expensive) tasks associated with maintaining a vehicle.
However, from unexpected transfers to confusing route maps, using public transit can also be challenging.
Consider the tips above as you learn how to better explore your city – you’ll stay safe, focused, and hopefully, you’ll stay on schedule and get from point A to point B without any issue.
Further Reading
- Check out our free EF assessment
- Download our Real-Life Executive Functioning Workbook (coupon code LSA20 for 20% off at checkout)
- Amy Sippl: Executive Functioning Skills 101: The Basics of Planning
- Loyola University Chicago: Public Transportation Tips
- Andy Pei: 4 Tips to Make Riding Transit Easier and Safer
- Amy Sippl: Executive Functioning Skills 101: The Basics of Time Management