FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Maryland Transit Administration Partners with Autism Transit Project to Share Pre-Recorded Transit Announcements by Young People with Autism
BALTIMORE, MD (April 15, 2024) – The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration is celebrating Autism Acceptance Month by airing safety messages at Light Rail stops and Metro Subway stations recorded by individuals on the autism spectrum. In partnership with the non-profit Autism Transit Project, the agency is featuring recordings by 18 Marylanders throughout the month of April to promote an inclusive environment.
“We are proud to partner with the Autism Transit Project to celebrate Autism Acceptance month,” said Holly Arnold, Administrator of the Maryland Transit Administration. “Transit is for everyone, and MTA is thrilled to offer a platform for young people with autism to engage with our region’s system.”
This initiative closely aligns with the Maryland Transit Administration’s goal of ensuring that all riders feel welcome on the system. Transit agencies across the country, including Northern California’s Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), Atlanta’s Metropolitan Area Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) and Boston’s Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) also have joined the Autism Transit Project effort.
The pre-recorded public service announcements will be aired every hour at all Light Rail stops and Metro Subway stations, reminding passengers to observe safe travel procedures such as standing a safe distance from the platform edge, remaining clear of closing doors and observing the gap between train and the station platforms.
The Maryland Transit Administration is one of the largest multi-modal transit systems in the United States, and operates Local Bus, Commuter Bus, Light Rail, Metro Subway, MARC Train Service and a comprehensive Mobility paratransit system. The goal of the Maryland Transit Administration is to provide safe, efficient, reliable transit across Maryland with world-class customer service. To learn more, visit mta.maryland.gov, check us out on Facebook at facebook.com/mtamaryland and follow us on X @mtamaryland.