TARTA Move renews Certified Autism Center™ designation

The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority’s (TARTA) paratransit division, TARTA Move, renewed its certification as a Certified Autism Center™.  

The agency notes that with the renewal, TARTA Move remains the only transit division in Ohio to have this designation, granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. TARTA Move members have undergone specific training courses to better understand and accommodate the needs of autistic and sensory-sensitive passengers.  

According to the agency, studies conducted by Autism Speaks indicate that close to one-third of autistic individuals depend on public transportation in some form. In 2025, the Center for Disease Control & Prevention estimated that one in 31 children in the U.S. have Autism Spectrum Disorder. 

“Understanding the needs of specific passengers is such an important step in being able to serve this community, so I am very proud of our TARTA Move team for stepping up and renewing its commitment,” said TARTA Deputy CEO Rick Bailey. “This is a team that continues to demonstrate extraordinary skill and compassion in serving riders who face mobility challenges, and a customer satisfaction rate in the high 90’s certainly reflects that. Anxiety and sensory-overload can induce stress for many paratransit clients. Adaptability, clear signage and expectation and consistency are key to lowering that stress level. As happy as we are to keep this designation, our team understands that our work isn’t done in this area, and that as the needs of our passengers evolve, it’s vital that we work to improve and evolve to meet those needs.”