The MTA has abruptly canceled a beloved program that allowed students with autism to record public announcements for the subway system—leaving New York City parents and their children both shocked and disappointed.

For many youths on the autism spectrum, public transit is more than just a mode of transportation—it’s a passion. They develop an intense focus on subway maps, train schedules, and even the distinct cadence of conductors’ announcements. This fascination has made the now-canceled program especially meaningful to them.

The initiative, run by the not-for-profit Autism Transit Project, was designed to give students with autism an opportunity to engage with their love of transit in a tangible way. By collaborating with transit systems across the country, the program fostered inclusion and joy for participants.

However, despite co-sponsoring events with autistic children in both 2022 and 2023, the MTA refused to participate last year—and has once again declined this year—without offering any explanation.

Sudden Cancellation, No Explanation

“Thank you for reaching out. Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate this request,” MTA spokesperson Amanda Valdes told Jonathan Trichter, founder of the Autism Transit Project, in a Jan. 22 email.

Trichter, deeply frustrated, replied with a heartfelt message:

“You’re going to crush the hearts of dozens and dozens of Autistic children in New York City who love the MTA like no other constituency; there will be many tears when they hear this news. I therefore hope very much that the MTA will reconsider.”

Parents and kids with autism are struggling to understand why the MTA would cancel a program that brought so much joy.

Parents Speak Out: “A Slap in the Face”

Brenna Epstein Calles, whose son Morgan participated in the program in 2022 and 2023, expressed her frustration over the MTA’s decision.

“It’s a real slap in the face to the kids with autism spectrum disorder,” she said. “It almost seems vindictive. It’s just beyond me.”

Morgan, now 8 years old, fondly remembers recording subway announcements.

“It was a really great experience,” he said.

When he learned the program had been canceled, he was devastated.

“I was really disappointed when I found out. I was really looking forward to doing it again,” Morgan said.

His disappointment was shared by his classmates—one of whom, Morgan recalled, “was crying” after learning the program would not be returning this year.

Another parent, Eliyanna Kaiser, said her 12-year-old son, Leo, had been hoping for a chance to participate.

“He was really disappointed,” she said. “It’s silly. It was a feel-good program for the kids.”

Leo has always been fascinated by transit systems, and the program held deep meaning for him.

“Leo is really into trains. It’s meaningful to him,” she said.

A Program That Gave Kids a Voice

For 18-year-old Andrew Uzzi, a Borough of Manhattan Community College student, the program was more than just a fun activity—it was a platform that allowed him and others to be heard.

“I think it’s a shame. Kids enjoyed the program. They had fun doing it. You could hear the enthusiasm,” Uzzi said.

He emphasized the importance of providing young people with autism opportunities to showcase their strengths.

“I have autism and I can be my best self just like you,” Uzzi said.

Political Backlash and Calls for Reinstatement

The MTA’s decision has also drawn criticism from elected officials, particularly prominent Republicans.

Former upstate Rep. Marc Molinaro, who is expected to have oversight of federal funding for the MTA, expressed his disappointment on social media.

“Very disappointed to see the MTA cancel this special subway announcement program for kids with autism. This initiative brought joy, inclusion, and a real-world learning and connection for so many,” Molinaro stated.

He called on the agency to reverse its decision.

“@MTA, do the right thing—bring it back!” he urged.

Hudson Valley Rep. Mike Lawler, who is reportedly considering a run for governor, also weighed in, criticizing the MTA’s leadership.

“The @mta is the most corrupt, inept, & mismanaged authority in America,” Lawler said.

He went on to mock the agency’s handling of public safety, before making his point with a pointed punchline:

“Have autism? ‘We can’t accommodate you.’”

Meanwhile, Governor Kathy Hochul, who holds considerable influence over the MTA, has yet to comment on whether she supports the program’s cancellation.

Parents Plan to Fight for Reinstatement

Despite the setback, parents and advocates are not giving up. A group of parents, alongside kids with autism, plans to testify at an upcoming MTA hearing on Wednesday, hoping to convince agency officials to bring the program back in time for Autism Awareness Month in April.

The MTA had previously embraced the initiative, highlighting it during Autism Awareness Month in both 2022 and 2023. Press conferences were held at Fulton Street Station, and official press releases touted the program’s success.

In 2023, student-recorded announcements were played at 11 major subway stations, including Fulton Street, Union Square, Times Square, and Penn Station.

At the time, MTA Acting Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara publicly praised the students’ contributions.

“I thank the children and their families for their hard work on these announcements and hope they continue to foster and embrace their curiosity about the transit system,” Rieara said.

Is Politics Behind the Decision?

Jonathan Trichter, founder of the Autism Transit Project, believes politics may have played a role in the MTA’s decision to axe the program. A Republican activist who previously ran for state comptroller, Trichter suspects his political background made him a target.

According to Trichter, the MTA initially embraced the program in 2022, only to impose an unusual restriction the following year.

“Two years ago in 2023, the MTA agreed to do the project under one condition. This was after they first did it in 2022 but found out who I was at the last minute, I suspect. Because the one condition in 2023 was that ‘I not be involved,’” Trichter said.

Instead, the MTA worked with ICLUDEnyc to coordinate the event, cutting Trichter and the Autism Transit Project out of the process.

“That was it. They agreed to do it only if I wasn’t involved,” he said.

He had hoped that continuing the partnership with ICLUDEnyc would satisfy the MTA’s concerns, but it seems the agency was unwilling to move forward with the program in 2024 under any circumstances.

“I was hoping we could keep working with them [ICLUDEnyc] in order to satisfy the MTA’s demand. But evidently that wasn’t an option for the MTA this year or last year.”

The MTA Remains Silent

Despite growing backlash, the MTA has declined to offer any explanation for canceling a program that had previously been celebrated as an example of inclusivity and community engagement.

For now, parents and kids with autism remain in limbo—left wondering why an initiative that once brought so much happiness was suddenly discarded without reason.

As Autism Awareness Month approaches, families and advocates remain hopeful that the MTA will have a change of heart and reinstate a program that gave kids with autism a voice—both figuratively and literally—across New York’s subway system.

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