Aubin, the award-winning accessible journey planning platform, has been commissioned by Solent Transport to deliver a specialist trial within the Solent Future Transport Zone (FTZ). This trial aims to unlock public transport for neurodivergent travellers and those with accessibility needs across the region.

Empowering Neurodivergent Travelers

By providing a specialized tool that offers greater control over the journey experience, the initiative aims to build travel confidence amongst the target markets and encourage public transport and active travel methods.

About the Solent Future Transport Zone

The Solent Future Transport Zone is a £28.8 million initiative funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) to trial innovative approaches to moving people and goods. It is a collaborative partnership led by Solent Transport—comprising Portsmouth City Council, Southampton City Council, and the Isle of Wight Council—alongside research partners at the Universities of Southampton and Portsmouth. The zone has served as a real-world testing ground for Mobility as a Service (MaaS), micromobility, and smart logistics to make journeys easier, smarter, and greener.

Trial Scope and Technology

As part of this trial, Aubin will integrate real-time local bus data and cycle hire station information specifically for the Solent area. To address anxiety around the “unknown,” the Aubin team will survey and photograph major rail stations, providing users with detailed, step-by-step wayfinding instructions.

Crucially, the Aubin and Solent teams will collaborate with local educational institutions to deliver travel training for neurodivergent students, fostering independence and sustainable travel habits from a young age.

Delivering Data for National Policy

The data and outcomes from this trial will form a critical component of the Solent FTZ reporting to the DfT and wider stakeholders, potentially influencing future national accessibility standards in transport.