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Maryland Transit Administration Partners with Autism Transit Project to Share Pre-Recorded Transit Announcements by Young People with Autism

BALTIMORE, MD (April 4, 2025) – 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 12 Marylanders throughout the month of April to promote the special bond between young people on the spectrum and transit.  

“We at the Maryland Transit Administration know many children and people with autism love trains and buses," said Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold. “That is why we are proud to partner with the Autism Transit Council and provide a platform for young people with autism to engage with our region's transit 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 supported the Autism Transit Project effort.  

The pre-recorded public service announcements will be aired every hour from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at all Light Rail stops and Metro Subway stations. The announcements will remind 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 station platforms.    

The Maryland Transit Administration is one of the largest multi-modal transit systems in the United States, operating systems that include Local Bus, Commuter Bus, Light Rail, Metro Subway, MARC Train Service and a comprehensive Mobility paratransit network. Our goal is to provide safe, efficient, and 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, Instagram at MTA Maryland and follow us on X @mtamaryland and bluesky@mta.maryland.gov.