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.
If you are passionate about public transportation, the Youth Advisory Council is a great chance to get more involved and help shape the future of transit.
The MTS Youth Advisory Council will meet every other month at the MTS Headquarters, located in downtown San Diego, with additional opportunities for learning and collaboration throughout the year. (On select occasions, MTS may opt to hold virtual meetings, but applicants should plan to attend in-person.)
When applying, applicants 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 will be 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 during their term (and/or enrolled in the Youth Opportunity Pass program, pending age), and can receive up to $100 in gift cards at the end of each term if they remain in good standing with the council.
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026. Member selections will be announced by Friday, June 26, 2026
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)
Other Application Considerations:
- MTS ridership
- Strength of written answers
- Availability to regularly attend council meetings
- Competitiveness from other applications in the same service area
Please see additional application details below. For any additional questions about the MTS Youth Advisory Council or the application process, please contact Ariel.Kroll@sdmts.com.