The Metro Board asked for input on making the transit system more accessible for people with autism and disabilities. (photo by Edwin Folven)

The Metro Board of Directors approved a motion on April 24 authored by director Holly Mitchell and co-authored by directors Katy Yaroslavsky, Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, James Butts, Tim Sandoval and Imelda Padilla calling on Metro to gather community input on further improving the transportation system for people with autism and developmental disabilities.

“It’s important that we co-create the survey with trusted community organizations who work closely with our neurodiverse communities to ensure we capture feedback that reflects lived experiences and leads to meaningful improvements on our transit system,” said Mitchell, who also serves as Los Angeles County Supervisor, 2nd District.   “Understanding and meeting the unique needs of our neurodiverse community is key to shaping a world-class transportation system that truly serves everyone.”

Insights gathered from the survey will identify short and long-term solutions and funding required. The recommendations will build on Metro’s existing initiatives for enhancing the ridership experience for people with disabilities which includes Metro’s Coordinated Plan, Section 5310 Program and Office of Civil Rights Management of ADA Compliance.

“We appreciate this board motion that will allow us to better understand how those with autism and other developmental disabilities experience Metro,” Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins said. “Making our system more accessible to those with autism will help us make our system more accessible to everyone.”

The survey will be developed and administered in partnership with key stakeholder groups that directly represent and serve residents with autism and developmental disabilities, such as the Special Needs Network, the Wiley Center ,and the Aging and Disability Transportation Network.

“This motion is a critical step toward creating a safer, more responsive public transportation system for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. There is a long-standing gap in how we support vulnerable riders, and a countywide survey is the right move. It centers the voices of those most impacted and helps us build real, lasting solutions rooted in lived experience and equity. We’re proud to support Supervisor Mitchell’s leadership in making our systems more inclusive and humane,” said Areva Martin, president and CEO at Special Needs Network.