NEWARK, N.J. — NJ Transit is recognizing Autism Acceptance month with events including wrapping one of its locomotives to promote acceptance, and featuring station announcements recorded by neurodiverse children.
“NJ Transit is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming transit system that reflects the diverse communities we serve,” NJ Transit Board Chair Fran O’Connor said in a press release. “Through initiatives like the Autism Acceptance Month bus and locomotive wrap, as well as our ongoing partnership with Happy Hour 4 Kids and Magnusmode, we are proud to recognize neurodiversity and create meaningful experiences for all riders.”
The locomotive features the infinity symbol, often used to represent autism, particularly when advocating for acceptance and inclusion. NJ Transit has also wrapped two buses featuring graphics including artwork by neurodivergent children, incorporated into the overall design by an NJ Transit graphic designer.
The recorded station announcements are through the agency’s partnership with Happy Hour 4 Kids and the Autism Transit Project, featuring neurodivergent children from the public as well as from families of NJ Transit employees. They will play throughout April; video of the children recording the announcements is available here.
The agency is also enhancing the MagnusCards travel app, a life-skills app for neurodiverse individuals — to include rewards called Magnus Badges, earned by viewing Card Decks to help autistic and neurodiverse individuals master life skills such as use of public transit. The app is available at Apple’s App Store and the Google Play Store.
“NJ Transit is proud to support Autism Acceptance Month by fostering meaningful connections between the neurodiverse community and public transit,” said CEO Kris Kolluri. “Through partnerships with organizations like Happy Hour 4 Kids, we continue our commitment to making our system accessible and welcoming to all.”
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