Metro is once again using its platform to highlight inclusion and community during Autism Acceptance Month.
For the fourth consecutive year, Metro has partnered with the Autism Transit Project to celebrate the unique connection many children with autism have with public transportation. As part of the initiative, 10 children with autism were invited to record official boarding and safety announcements that are now being played throughout the Metrorail system for the entire month of April.
The program is part of a broader effort across the country, with several major transit agencies also participating, including Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), Metropolitan Area Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit), the Maryland Transit Administration, and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).
“Metro is proud to support efforts that promote understanding, acceptance, and inclusion,” said Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke. “We are committed to creating a system—and a region—where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and able to fully participate in daily life. The announcements you hear in our stations this month are a way to show that Metro stands with the autism community.”
This year’s participants range in age from 6 to 19 and come from communities across the region. Their recorded messages include important safety reminders, such as holding children’s hands on escalators and minding the gap when entering and exiting trains.
Metro also recently hosted a special event at the West Falls Church station to celebrate the participants. The children had the opportunity to tour a rail car, explore Metro buses, and take part in a question-and-answer session with Clarke, creating a memorable experience tied to something many of them are deeply passionate about.
