FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Council Offers Students Leadership Experience, Voice in Transit Planning
BALTIMORE, MD (September 3, 2025) – The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration is now accepting applications for the next cohort of its Youth Transit Council, a forum for young leaders aged 14 to 18. Last year, the Youth Transit Council members helped to create the new Code of Conduct for the MTA. Applications will be accepted through September 15, 2025.
“Youth voices are critical to the future of transit,” said Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold. “The Youth Transit Council helps us better understand how we can meet the needs of young riders while providing them with meaningful leadership opportunities.”
The Youth Transit Council gives students a platform to share ideas, build leadership skills and provide input on how transit can better serve riders of all ages. Members have the opportunity to engage directly with MTA staff, learn about transit planning and operations and work on projects that help shape the future of mobility in the Baltimore region.
Teens interested in joining the volunteer council are invited to submit an online application at mta.maryland.gov/youth-transit-council.
Eligibility and Application Process
· Open to youth ages 14–18 who reside in the MTA service area (served by MTA Local Bus, Light Rail, Metro Subway, Commuter Bus and MARC).
· Members must commit to at least six meetings during the academic year.
· Meetings will be held on Saturday mornings and are in-person at community locations such as schools, libraries or MTA facilities.
· Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on September 15, 2025.
As the council enters its third year, its objective remains to provide young people with a forum to raise awareness and understanding of topics most important to their public transportation experience. By connecting volunteer members of the council with Maryland Transit Administration staff, the Youth Transit Council is designed to foster understanding and collaboration between the agency and its young customers.
Council members will be invited to participate in hands-on projects, policy engagement and community-building efforts that will serve transit riders today and into the future. The 20-person all-volunteer Council will be representative across various ages, geographies, demographics and schools. Members can earn service hours needed for high school graduation as well as letters of recommendation for future educational and career opportunities.
The Maryland Transit Administration is one of the largest multi-modal transit systems in the United States, operating systems that include Local Bus, Commuter Bus, Light Rail, Metro Subway, MARC Train Service and a comprehensive Mobility paratransit network. Our goal is to provide safe, efficient, and reliable transit across Maryland with world-class customer service. To learn more, visit mta.maryland.gov, check us out on Facebook at facebook.com/mtamaryland, Instagram at MTA Maryland and follow us on X @mtamaryland and bluesky@mta.maryland.gov.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Paul Shepard
Office: 410-767-3935
Cell: 443-622-4181
pshepard@mdot.maryland.gov
Courtney Mims
Office: 410-767-8367
Cell: 667-392-0157
cmims@mdot.maryland.gov
###
