By Transit California Staff
Bay Area Rapid Transit: Announcements recorded by local youth with autism playing in BART stations for Autism Acceptance Month
This April, the voices of local youth on the autism spectrum can be heard in BART stations across the system in recognition of Autism Acceptance Month. The PA announcements will be mixed in with usual station announcements and play in more than twenty stations.
A sample of what your ears have in store: “Hi BART riders, I’m Zayn. I love BART because I can sit and relax and see everything that’s going on in the Bay. I hope you enjoy your trip!”
Thirteen-year-old mega-BART-fan Zayn was one of 17 Bay Area youth who came to BART Headquarters in March to record announcements as part of the Autism Transit Project. The project was founded in 2022 by Jonathan Trichter, who runs multiple schools for children with autism and neurological differences.
“Children on the spectrum often have a special affinity for trains,” Trichter said. “That is a well-documented phenomenon that is also well-known by transit workers and people at BART. They see it every day as these kids take their parents on joy rides or ask the operators questions so complicated they're stumped.”
Language does not come easily to some children on the autism spectrum, Trichter said, so they sometimes grab onto phrases they hear frequently.
“That means the first sentence a child on the spectrum says might be, ‘Stand clear of the closing doors,’” Trichter explained. “So I put two and two together and came up with the idea to have these kids make their own public service announcements.”
This is BART’s third year participating in the Autism Transit Project. In addition to the recording sessions, which took place in BART’s professional studio, BART staff and board members joined in on the fun to talk about their jobs, including how to schedule trains, what it’s like to be a train operator; to show off some cool train parts, engineering devices, and BART uniforms; and to answer questions from the children, some more relevant to BART than others.
“What’s your star sign?” eighteen-year-old Lucy asked General Manager Bob Powers during his Q&A. She followed with a question about his favorite non-revenue vehicle (he chose BART’s Rail Inspection Vehicle).
Other BART celebrities joined in for the day, including BART Board President Mark Foley, who told the children, “I see you all, and I love you,” as well as BART Director Victor Flores, who spoke about the importance of community and supporting one another. BART Chief of Police Kevin Franklin was also on-hand to pass out junior officer badge stickers and to help kids try on BART uniforms.
One of the biggest celebrities of the day, however, was Pac-Man, the hardworking Harris hawk who is stationed at select BART stations to help mitigate pigeon presence. He arrived perched on the arm of his handler, Ricky, ready for his closeup.
Most of all, the day was an opportunity for children and their families to connect with one another.
“For the autism community, events like this help us to feel seen,” said BART employee Jennifer Tom, whose brother, Sam, recorded an announcement. “We can feel swallowed up sometimes [so this event] is really meaningful to me...I feel really blessed to be here today.”
Ten-year-old Bella recorded an announcement last year and couldn’t wait to come back to BART once more.
“This whole experience inspired her to be a radio DJ,” said her mom, Christelle Cicero-Lopez.
Hearing her announcement last year, said Bella, “was my dream come true."
Orange County Transportation Authority: Rose Casey Appointed to Lead OCTA Planning, Helping Implement Future of O.C.’s Transportation Network
Casey, who brings more than 35 years of transportation expertise to her role as Executive Director of Planning, will be joined by the promotion of Dan Phu to OCTA’s new Director of Planning.
Rose Casey, a dedicated transportation professional with more than three decades of experience in transportation planning and capital project delivery, has been named Executive Director of Planning for the Orange County Transportation Authority.
Casey replaces Kia Mortazavi, who retired in March after nearly 40 years of transportation planning in Orange County, dating back to a time before OCTA was formed in 1991. He and Casey spent the last several months sharing the role, to ensure a smooth transition in the effort to continue providing Orange County with a balanced and sustainable transportation network.
In her new role, Casey will lead OCTA’s Planning Division, responsible for developing long-range transportation plans, guiding sustainable and equitable mobility initiatives, and coordinating regionally with stakeholders to address the county’s evolving transportation needs.
Her leadership will remain critical in shaping multimodal corridor strategies, expanding options for transit and active transportation such as cycling and walking, and ensuring Orange County remains connected and mobile.
“We are thrilled to have Rose take on this key leadership role,” said OCTA CEO Darrell E. Johnson. “Her depth of knowledge, passion for community-focused solutions, and ability to see the big picture make her an ideal person to help us plan Orange County’s transportation future.”
Casey has been with OCTA for more than 17 years, most recently serving as Director of Programs, where she oversaw the successful delivery of major freeway and roadway improvement projects throughout the county, including the construction of the $2.1 billion 405 Improvement Project and the successful implementation of the 405 Express Lanes.
Her previous experience includes roles as Program Manager at OCTA and work with Caltrans District 12 in Orange County and District 7 in Los Angeles, giving her a strong foundation in project development and interagency coordination, as well as a deep understanding of transportation funding.
A longtime resident of Irvine, Casey has been actively involved in local civic life. She served as a Transportation Commissioner for the City of Irvine from 2017 to 2019, where she helped guide thoughtful growth and infrastructure decisions from a local perspective.
“I’ve spent my career working to improve how people move around Orange County, and I feel incredibly fortunate to now help lead that planning work,” Casey said. “As a resident of Orange County and a longtime transportation professional, there’s real satisfaction in traveling through our county and remembering the projects I’ve worked on – the improved freeways, smoother streets and bikeways and safer intersections. These are improvements that truly make a difference in people’s lives, and I’m proud to have been a part of that progress.”
Casey will report directly to CEO Johnson and will play a central role in developing and implementing OCTA’s long-range planning efforts in collaboration with local, regional, and state partners.
OCTA, with an annual budget of $1.7 billion, operates one of California’s largest transit systems, manages Measure M – the county’s voter-approved transportation investment plan – and oversees an array of mobility solutions including OC Bus, Metrolink commuter rail, and OC Streetcar, which is set to debut next year.
Casey is based at OCTA’s headquarters in Orange.
Dan Phu named Director of Planning
In support of the continued growth of OCTA’s Planning Division, the agency has also named Dan Phu as the new Director of Transportation Planning and Analysis. His appointment underscores OCTA’s strong commitment to succession planning and promoting internal talent.
Phu, who has been with OCTA since 2007, brings nearly two decades of experience in transportation and environmental planning. He has led key initiatives including the Measure M2 Environmental Mitigation and Cleanup Programs, regional rail and transit planning studies, and conceptual engineering projects. His work to help acquire conservation lands and fund habitat restoration has helped expedite project delivery and earned statewide recognition.
Most recently, Phu has played a vital role in addressing coastal rail challenges, leading planning efforts to identify vulnerable areas and working with regulatory partners to help prevent future rail service disruptions.
SacRT Launches Tap2Ride Contactless Fare Payment Option
The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) is introducing a new, easier way for riders to pay their fares. On April 1, 2025, SacRT launched Tap2Ride, a contactless fare payment system on all buses and SacRT GO paratransit service vehicles.
With Tap2Ride, riders can use their contactless debit or credit cards or mobile wallets to quickly and securely pay their fare when boarding. This eliminates the need for cash or paper tickets, making transit more convenient than ever before. Cash, along with all other current forms of valid fare, will continue to be accepted.
“SacRT is committed to making transit easier and more accessible for everyone,” said Henry Li, SacRT General Manager/CEO. “Tap2Ride is a major step forward in modernizing our fare payment system, giving riders the speed and convenience they expect while improving efficiency across our network.”
Phase 1: Tap2Ride on Buses and Paratransit Services
Riders are now able to tap their contactless Visa or Mastercard credit/debit card or mobile wallet (smartphone or watch) on Tap2Ride devices installed on all SacRT vehicles. Phase 1 of the Tap2Ride program offers riders the benefits of daily fare capping and 90-minute free transfers between bus routes similar to Connect Card. Riders simply tap their contactless payment option to the device upon boarding the bus and the Tap2Ride system will select the best fare (single ride or daily pass) based on their travel for the day. Riders can also continue to use contactless payment at light rail station vending machines. During this phase, fare transfer benefits between bus and light rail will not be available when using Tap2Ride.
Phase 2: Seamless Transfers Coming in Late 2025
In late 2025, SacRT will launch Phase 2 of Tap2Ride, allowing riders to transfer seamlessly between buses and light rail using the same contactless payment method, with transfer benefits applied automatically.
Discounted Fares for Seniors, Veterans, and Medicare Cardholders
Eligible riders can receive a 50% discount on basic fares through Tap2Ride. Discounts are securely linked to a rider’s contactless payment card through the California Integrated Travel Project (Cal-ITP) web tool, allowing for automatic fare reductions without the need for in-person verification. Riders can apply for their discount online at benefits.calitp.org.
“Cal-ITP is proud to partner with SacRT in making transit fare payments more convenient and accessible,” said Gillian Gillett, Chief of Caltrans’ Data and Digital Services Division and Program Manager of California Integrated Mobility. “This system enhances mobility by offering a secure, seamless way for riders to pay while ensuring those who qualify for discounts receive them automatically.”
"Digital ID is an important component of smarter and better-connected public services,” said State Chief Information Officer and Director of the California Department of Technology Liana Bailey-Crimmins. “California’s Digital ID Framework is making it easier for riders to access the benefits they’re entitled to—no paperwork and no hassle—just a giant step toward a future where digital services make life easier for everyone.”
Why Tap2Ride?
All SacRT’s current payment methods are still available to riders. The Tap2Ride program is another option to pay fare.
LA Metro, A Community of Friends Welcome Families to New Affordable Homes in Boyle Heights
Metro is more than halfway to its goal of building 10,000 homes on Metro properties with over 5,000 completed, in construction, or in negotiations
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) continues to build on its commitment to grow its transit-oriented housing portfolio to 10,000 homes by 2031. Metro jas joined A Community of Friends (ACOF) to mark the completion of construction of Lorena Plaza, a mixed-use housing development for low-income households, with half the apartments prioritized for veterans who are low income or experiencing homelessness.
“Projects like Metro’s Lorena Plaza exemplify a viable path to providing Angelenos with stable housing and opportunities through the Metro Joint Development Program—a program I had the honor of directing as Chair of Metro two years ago. Our goal was to create 10,000 housing units on Metro-owned properties by 2031, with at least half designated as affordable,” said Hilda L. Solis, Los Angeles County Supervisor and Metro Board Member. “Today, we celebrate not only one of many new affordable housing projects in the First District but also the collaboration of partners like A Community of Friends, who are crucial in working together to create meaningful solutions to housing challenges in Boyle Heights and throughout Los Angeles County.”
Lorena Plaza, located just north of the Metro E Line Indiana Station in Boyle Heights, is also served by Metro bus line 106 servicing Montebello to Monterey Park. The new four-story apartment building features 48 income-restricted homes above 7,500 square feet of community serving retail space. Lorena Plaza offers studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments to families earning 30% – 50% of Area Median Income (AMI). Thirty-two of the apartments will be set aside as supportive housing for households earning up to 30% of AMI, while the remaining 16 apartments will be set aside for households earning up to 50% of AMI. In addition to housing, Lorena Plaza will also provide supportive services including case management, life skills classes, family and children’s services, and substance use recovery assistance to its tenants. Residential amenities include on-site offices for management and service providers, on-site laundry, a community room, a children’s play area and an outdoor courtyard.
“I remember being here when this was a construction site and had been unable to break ground for more than 15 years because of red tape,” said Los Angeles Mayor and Metro Board Member Karen Bass. “By taking bold action, we broke away from the old ways of doing things and replaced it with a new approach focused on solutions, results, and speed. I am glad to be here today to celebrate the opening of Lorena Plaza, which will serve Veterans and families.”
Metro’s Vision 2028 Strategic Plan encourages the development of affordable housing near transit to give more people, especially in low-income communities, better access to transit. In 2021, the Metro Board established a goal of expanding Metro’s housing portfolio through the Joint Development program to 10,000 homes by 2031, with at least 5,000 of the apartments to be restricted at affordable rents for lower and moderate-income households. To meet the goal, Metro has partnered with local developers to increase the supply of high-quality housing on Metro properties, especially income-restricted apartments. In addition to providing much-needed housing, these new projects can advance many community development goals and serve as a gateway to the Metro transit system.
“We’re excited to welcome 48 families to new transit-connected homes at Lorena Plaza,” said Stephanie Wiggins, Metro CEO. “Housing and transportation are the two biggest household expenses for families, so by building affordable housing near transit through our Joint Development Program, we are giving a big hand to families who need it most. Metro is proud to do all we can to ease the housing shortage in LA County and make this region a more affordable, vibrant, and sustainable place to live.”
Lorena Plaza is Metro’s first Joint Development housing project to open in 2025 as part of its ambitious effort to bring more affordable, transit-oriented housing to Los Angeles County.
“A Community of Friends is thrilled to see the completion of Lorena Plaza, a permanent supportive housing community that we have worked so long to bring to fruition,” said Dora Leong Gallo, president and CEO of the organization. “We thank our many partners – from the community, our lenders, contractors, city and county partners, and Metro – for helping us reach this milestone.”
This summer, another Joint Development project, Santa Monica Vermont Apartments, will open and provide 187 apartments and retail spaces, including a health center and food court, focused on local businesses at the Vermont/Santa Monica Metro station. In 2024, dedication ceremonies were held for La Veranda and Los Lirios, both mixed-use housing developments for low- and moderate-income households in Boyle Heights.
For more information on Metro’s Joint Development program, please visit https://www.metro.net/jd.
A message from SFMTA: Thank You for Making Transit Employee Appreciation Day a Success
March 18 this year was a banner day at the SFMTA. It was Transit Employee Appreciation Day, and so many of you rode Muni and showed your appreciation that it’s our turn to thank you.
How many? We surpassed 531,000 riders on March 18, or 35,000 more riders than our average daily March ridership. That’s a 7 percent increase over a typical day in March this year and the highest ridership day for the month.
And not only that, SFMTA staff received more official commendations on that day than we usually see in one month. In fact, for all of March, commendations were up 152 percent from March 2024.
It was also the first year Transit Employee Appreciation Day has been officially recognized by San Francisco. That’s thanks to District 5 Supervisor Bilal Mahmood, who introduced a resolution to the Board of Supervisors to mark the day.
Muni operator Mc Allen has long championed Transit Employee Appreciation Day, creating a website to bring more attention to the day. “Muni operators often are invisible to the public,” he said in March. “I wanted to do something about it.”
When told of the increase in ridership on March 18 this year, Allen was pleasantly surprised.
“That was my main goal and much better than I expected we’d do,” he said. “Anecdotally, I’ve heard from operators that more people are saying ‘thank you.’”
One rider who submitted a commendation was San Francisco Chronicle reporter Peter Hartlaub, who writes the paper’s Total SF newsletter. “I met cable car gripman Val Lupiz in 2018 when we were riding every Muni bus in one day for the San Francisco Chronicle,” Hartlaub wrote in his commendation. “Val works tirelessly to make our city more joyful. We’re lucky to have him!”
Transit employees make a difference in riders’ daily lives, the commendations we received show. One anonymous commenter wrote: “I just want to thank the drivers and everyone involved with keeping public transportation on the roads! My middle schooler and his friends often take the bus home from school, and we really appreciate this valuable resource!”
We thank you for these and many other commendations submitted through our site. But Allen had a parting note for San Franciscans. “The best way to thank an operator is to ride Muni,” he said. “The best way to get people to ride Muni is to try it, and I hope we help people build the habit of riding Muni.”
If you’d like to show your appreciation for an operator, a simple “thank you” goes a long way. But if you’d like to submit a formal commendation, Allen has detailed instructions on his website.