Tuning others out when a Passenger on a Bus/Van?

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Since being an adult and have never drove a vehicle on my own. I have either rode a van and now mostly ride a omibus with others with disabilites, seniors, etc.

For most of the past two decades, I have had some sort of struggle. It was more when I was riding a van provided by my employment program. I would have conflicts with the staff / driver, having to go long distances, seating arrangments, other indviduals, etc.

In the past eight months. the van services has been discontinued and I now utilize paratransit. At times, there are several passengers that I know on the bus because of being in the mental health system, working or other experiences.

Most of the time I sit in the same seat and rarely have to sit directly next to another person. If I do, I try to sit next to someone that I know will have no conflict or issues with. When this happens, often I am in close proximity to others and the noise pollution can be elevated. Sometimes there are those I know that can be a stressor for me.

The best coping mechanism for me on the bus is to put my headphones and listening to music while looking outside. When I am away from others this is no issue, but there are times when I am close to others and I know that it is best for me to put my headset/music on so I do not become more agitated. There are times when my day at work or training can be quite stressful to boot and I know that adding on more pressure by having to communicate with others for long distances can accelerate my breaking point.

The last few months, after exchanging pleasantries, I wlll say something to the manner of needing to tune others out, depending on their knowledge of my challenges or the ability for those that I am communicating with. I will say "I need a sensory break" or "I need to put my headphones on and relax".

As I get closer to home and some of the other passengers leave the bus, I become more at ease and can stop the music, take the headset off and communicate with others because I am more relaxed. However, I at times feel guilty or selfish about doing this because I am concerned that it may be received as being rude or ignoring the other people for needing someone.

I know that I must take care of me and my mental health first and foremost, but I worry about offending others too because I am not paying attention to them.

Does anyone else put on headhphones in vehicles to tune out others?
Do you think this is the wrong way to go about this?
Are there other ways to be assertive, but not verbally agressive or abrasive about needing some time to yourselves when a passenger on transportation vessels?

As an autist who's had this problem for years there's nothing wrong with what you're doing. Lately I've reached breaking point and have got in verbal and physical altercations with delinquents of close age to myself because I've passed breaking point. Don't feel selfish at all, in fact I have taken solace in this post and will be tuning things out more intently from now on on public transport. Hope this insight helps.

Yes because I ride public transit with people who tend to be nosy, judgemental, rude, and mean. I found that having headphones and reading helps a lot.

It's the absolutely right way to go about it. Keep using the headphones.

If the size or visibility of headphones make you feel self-conscious or vulnerable, use noise-cancelling earbuds instead. The Anker Soundcore P3 Life ones are really good and well priced.

Yes, people may need attention, but they need to receive it from people who are able to give it. On public transport, that is almost never going to be me.