Autism Transit Project

The Autism Transit Project is an initiative that brings together young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and public transit agencies. Started in 2022 as an Autism Acceptance Month project with New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority, it invited children with autism to record public service announcements for subway riders. The project builds on many autistic children’s strong interest in trains and offers them a meaningful way to share their voices with the public.

Since its launch, the initiative has expanded beyond New York, with transit agencies in several U.S. cities broadcasting youth-recorded announcements. More than 100 children and young people have taken part, creating messages that include transit safety information. The project has received coverage from major media outlets, including The New York Times, NBC News, NPR, and Good Morning America.

The Autism Transit Project also aims to use funds raised to support its work and develop workforce partnerships with transit agencies, connecting young adults with ASD who are interested in transit to employment opportunities.