The MTS Youth Advisory Council offers youth and young adults (aged 16 – 24) an opportunity to help learn about public transportation in the San Diego region and help provide feedback on public transportation to MTS staff, while also building leadership skills.
Applications have closed and final selections have been notified.
The MTS Youth Advisory Council meets every other month at the MTS Headquarters, located in downtown San Diego, with additional opportunities for learning and collaboration throughout the year - including behind-the-scenes tours of MTS facilities, staff Q & As and more. (On select occasions, MTS may opt to hold virtual meetings, but applicants should plan to attend in-person.)
Youth Council members should expect to:
- Serve for a minimum of one year
- Attend all six (6) meetings throughout the year (approx. 60 – 90 minutes per meeting)
- Engage in the discussion throughout the meeting
- Help prepare a year-end presentation to MTS staff
Fifteen applicants were selected to serve on the council for a one-year term (and may be eligible to serve a second year without needing to re-apply).
Youth Advisory Council members will be provided a transit pass to attend council meetings (and/or enrolled in the Youth Opportunity Pass program, pending age), and will be eligible to receive a $25 Visa gift card for every meeting they are able to fully attend (partial gift cards will not be provided if a member must leave a meeting early).
Minimum Requirements:
- Aged 16 – 24 as of July 1, 2026
- Residing in, attending school or working in the MTS service area (Cities of Chula Vista, Coronado, El Cajon, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, National City, Poway, Santee, San Diego, and surrounding unincorporated areas of the County of San Diego). Proof of residence, school attendance or employment within the MTS service area may be required prior to acceptance on the council.
Other Application Considerations:
- MTS ridership
- Strength of written answers
- Availability to regularly attend council meetings
- Competitiveness from other applications in the same service area
Youth Advisory Council Meeting Dates
- September 23, 2026: 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
- November - TBD
- January - TBD
- March - TBD
- May - TBD
- July - TBD
For any additional questions about the MTS Youth Advisory Council, please email YouthCouncil@sdmts.com.