Lost count of the days in between but this post is about my brief but very interesting time in Budapest. We got there in the evening, staying on the Pest side. I was happy to be out of the car and walking after a long day of driving. Walking across the Danube, seeing the old trams, on sodium lit streets set the mood.

I made the time for a tram ride before we left the city. I was told that Budapest offers certain benefits and considerations for neurodivergent individuals when it comes to local transport. For instance, they can use the regional buses and railway lines for free while accompanying caregivers are entitled to massive discounts. Some cases allow for free or discounted parking, making it more convenient for PwIDDs and their caregivers to explore the city by car.

Budapest stands out in prioritising the needs and inclusivity of neurodivergent people through such transportation benefits. Indian cities have a long way to go in terms of making travel more accessible. While progress has been made in certain areas, there is still a need for greater awareness and concerted efforts to make public transportation more inclusive and accommodating. For instance, with the disability certificate or UDID, there is access to various benefits including discounted travel. But to ensure people are able to access these benefits, potential beneficiaries need to be made aware of their entitlements and the process needs to be simplified. Do check out the great resources by @nayidisha around getting the paperwork done.