San Francisco, California | June 16-17, 2025

Hosted by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), the Accessible Futures Conference brings together transportation professionals, technologists, policymakers, and community leaders to examine how public transit systems can better support riders with diverse needs. The event centers on the full transit experience, including wayfinding, technology, policy, and rider journeys, and highlights strategies for designing transit systems that are inclusive, usable, and effective from the start.

Sarah Birdwell, Engagement Strategist and Accessibility SME, attended on behalf of The PLUM Catalyst to learn from national leaders and explore emerging ideas related to inclusive transit design, service planning, and technology.

https://mtc.ca.gov/about-mtc/public-participation/accessibility/accessible-futures-conference

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Conference Highlights

Attending the first-ever Accessible Futures Conference reinforced how expansive accessibility in transit truly is. The conversations went far beyond vehicles, focusing on the full rider experience and the importance of designing systems that work for people with diverse needs from the start. One of the most impactful moments was hearing from Congresswoman Lateefah Simon, who spoke powerfully about her journey as a blind Black woman in politics and the need for unapologetic leadership rooted in lived experience. I left the conference energized and inspired by both the ideas shared and the people driving this work forward.

Key Takeaways

• Accessibility must be embedded across the entire transit system, including wayfinding, signage, digital tools, policy, and service design.
• Paratransit needs to move away from “separate but equal” models toward more integrated and reliable transit options.
• Inclusion cannot be retrofitted. Designing with people with disabilities from day one leads to better outcomes for everyone.
• Centering lived experience strengthens planning, training, and decision-making across transit systems.

For a more detailed reflection on the conference, read Sarah’s full recap on LinkedIn