Children with Autism record station announcements for Autism Acceptance Month

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, 11-year-old David Burke wanted more than anything to get back on BART. “He’d say, ‘That darn virus. I wish we could ride BART again,’” said Stephanie Burke, David’s mom.

By March, David and his mom not only were back on BART – they were visiting BART Headquarters along with twelve local children and their families. The children, who are on the autism spectrum, recorded audio announcements for BART stations that will run in April for Autism Acceptance Month. The energy and excitement in the air was palpable. The full video of the experience can be found here. 

“I love BART,” David said, mimicking the sound of a BART train horn. “I like looking out the window and doing silly voices.”

The BART recording session was spearheaded by BART’s Chief Communications Officer Alicia Trost and Jonathan Trichter, the CEO of several schools for children with autism and related neurological differences.

"There’s a special bond between a lot of children with autism and trains, and nobody knows quite why that is,” he continued. “But it’s a phenomenon that’s familiar to families with autistic children, as well as transit workers who see these kids riding the trains every day."

In many instances, children with autism grasp onto specific phrases that they hear out in the world, “It’s not unusual that a child’s first sentence is something like, ‘Stand clear of the closing doors, please,’” Jonathan said.

One day it struck him – children with autism might be interested in recording their own transit announcements. In 2022, Jonathan worked with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York to pilot his idea. It was a rousing success, inspiring Jonathan to replicate the project at other transit agencies across the nation.

Jonathan said the announcements were “an opportunity of a lifetime for many of the kids.” It provided a way for them to plug in, not just as an onlooker, but as a participant in the civic activity that all of us take for granted,” he said.

The children rode the trains from 19th Street/Oakland Station to Oakland International Airport and learned about train control and scheduling. One group was lucky enough to catch a Fleet of the Future train operated by longtime employee Curt Robinson, who’s worked at BART for more than 20 years. He opened his cab door to greet the children, all of whom were thrilled to be riding BART, especially one of the new trains.  

“I’m a really big [BART] enthusiast,” said 17-year-old Ardalon Ansari while riding the train beside his mother, Lillian. Riding BART is one of Ardalon’s favorite activities. He tries to ride at least every weekend, and his favorite place to go is San Francisco International Airport Station.  

During his visit, Ardalon was eager to see his old pal “Bob,” AKA BART General Manager Robert Powers. The pair met a few years ago when they connected over their mutual love of trains, and Powers planned Ardalon a private tour of BART’s Hayward Maintenance Complex – an experience Lillian said rivaled a “Make A Wish” event. Back at BART Headquarters, the duo had a long-awaited reunion.

“I’m grateful to BART enthusiasts like Ardalon, who remind us of the joy and excitement in riding trains,” Powers said. “Thank you to the families who are here today to record these station announcements. I know these recordings will inspire and educate our riders.”

Back at BART Headquarters, the children sat mesmerized by John Fitzgibbon, Manager of Scheduling and Planning, who thoughtfully explained how he creates a BART schedule (You, too, can learn about John’s “scheduling dance” by listening to his interview for BART’s podcast, “Hidden Tracks”).

“I have been interested in trains since I was little – just like you all!” John told the kids.

After John’s presentation, Chief Communications Officer Alicia Trost taught the group about the different types of train cars. When a D car popped on the screen – D cars are the cabs of Fleet of the Future trains – the group exclaimed and clapped.   

At the end of the four-hour event, the children and families grabbed their BART-themed goodie bags and said farewell to their new friends.

“It’s awesome being at BART,” said 13-year-old Amir Rasheed. His infectious smile said the rest.