BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is taking part in the Autism Transit Project for the second year. The Project is an initiative that empowers children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to create public service announcements for transit systems across the country.
In recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, the MBTA will play 37 public announcements created by local youth with ASD in stations across the system April and May. Messages will focus on safety reminders and uplifting kindness.
“Every day, we work to ensure that our public transit system is not only accessible but welcoming for every rider. The Autism Transit Project is a deeply meaningful example of what’s possible when agencies, advocates and families come together with compassion and purpose. It’s through partnerships like these that we move closer to a transportation system where everyone feels seen, supported and safe,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt.
“Inclusivity at the MBTA is so much more than building ramps and fixing elevators, it’s making connections with the public we serve,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “To build and operate a system that works for everyone, it requires an appreciation of the varied and diverse experiences and perspectives of our riders. We’re proud to once again amplify the voices of incredible young individuals as part of the Autism Transit Project. Their messages are heartfelt and will help keep riders safe and remind all of us to spread kindness in our daily lives and as we ride the T.”
“Many children with autism spectrum disorder have a deep connection to mass transit. Frontline transit workers are well aware of this phenomenon,” said the Founder of the Autism Transit Project Jonathan Trichter. “They see it every day when these kids drag their parents on joy rides or ask them questions that are so complex they are sometimes stumped. In addition, children with Autism often come to language differently than neurotypical kids. They latch on to short phrases they focus on in places they love. It is not at all uncommon for the first full sentence an Autistic child utters to be something like, ‘Stand clear of the closing doors, please!’ Such announcements consequently have a deeper meaning for them and their families. By participating in the Autism Transit Project, the MBTA is celebrating a very special bond they have with children on the spectrum. And these kids get to show the rest of us that, while they may be different, they are similar and no less.”
The Autism Transit Project began in 2022 in New York with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York. In 2024, the MBTA joined NJ Transit, BART, MARTA, WMATA and Maryland MTA as another national transportation agency taking part in the program.
To further support the Autism Transit Project and express gratitude to the participating youth, the MBTA welcomed them to the MBTA’s Headquarters downtown Boston for a reception. Last year, children and their families visited the Operations Control Center for an exclusive tour.
About the Autism Transit Project: The Autism Transit Project is a 501c3 non-profit organization whose mission it is to spread acceptance and awareness that people with autism are worthy and valuable parts of their societies different perhaps, but no less. The project relies on its ability to channel the connection many with autism spectrum disorder (“ASD”) have to mass transit systems in a positive way. It started with an idea when its founder Jonathan Trichter launched a widely praised initiative that allows autistic children who love trains to record subway service announcements that are then broadcast publicly throughout their local transit systems in conjunction with Autism Acceptance Months. Last year in 2023 over 100 children and five major transit agencies across the country participated. This year, seven transit agencies participated with even more kiddos!
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