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NJ Transit is celebrating Autism Acceptance Month by featuring public service announcements (PSAs) recorded by neurodiverse children. These announcements will play at train stations across New Jersey throughout April. This initiative, known as the Autism Transit Project, is now in its third year and aims to foster communication skills among children on the autism spectrum while creating meaningful experiences for all commuters.
According to NJ Transit, the project also includes enhancements to the MagnusCards travel app, which is designed to aid neurodiverse individuals. The app now features a rewards system called MagnusBadges, encouraging users to develop transit skills. Additionally, NJ Transit has wrapped two buses and a locomotive with designs created by neurodiverse children to promote acceptance.
NJ Transit President & CEO Kris Kolluri stated, "Through partnerships with organizations like Happy Hour 4 Kids, we continue our commitment to making our system accessible and welcoming to all." The project is supported by major transit agencies across the country, including BART, MARTA, and the MTA, among others.
The MagnusCards app is a free digital life skills app that provides guides to help autistic and neurodiverse individuals perform everyday activities, such as using public transportation. The app is available in both English and Spanish.
NJ Transit's efforts are part of a broader initiative to make public transportation more inclusive and accessible. The wrapped buses and locomotive, featuring the infinity symbol often associated with autism acceptance, will remain a staple in the NJ Transit system for years to come.