MTA Youth Transit Council
invites you to connect and explore
our world of public transportation!

Youth Transit Council

Want to be a part of something extraordinary?

The Youth Transit Council is an advisory group that offers young people in the Baltimore area an opportunity to learn how The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) operates, offer suggestions, and explore career options in the public transportation industry.

The Youth Transit Council provides opportunities for young people to build real‑world skills and learn about the full range of MTA career options.

It is designed as a dynamic forum where youth voices interact directly with MTA, fostering understanding and collaboration between the agency and its young customers.

Applications are open now through September 15, 2025.

Apply Here

Overview

Learn about our Vision
About Our Council
Read Former Member Experiences

Our Vision

We are committed to fostering an environment that embraces and values the voices of young people. By encouraging collaboration between MTA and young customers, we ensure that youth views are not only heard but respected. This effort aims to bridge the gap between MTA and youth to create a more connected transit system tailored to their unique needs.

About Our Council

  • The Council is composed of up to 12 members, selected to be representative of the region’s age groups, geographies, demographics, and schools.
  • Members serve for the 2025-2026 school year.
  • Eligibility requires being 14–18 years old at the time of application, a resident within the MTA service area (served by MTA Local Bus, Light RailLink, Metro SubwayLink), and the ability to attend at least six meetings per academic year.
  • Meetings may be virtual, hybrid, or in person, held at locations within the service area (e.g. schools, libraries, or MTA facilities). They are no longer than 2 hours and held on Saturday mornings (see schedule on this page).

Selection Process

  • Prospective YTC members are invited to apply via our quick online application. Applications are due 11:59PM on September 15, 2025.
  • Community members are also invited to nominate a youth leader for YTC. Instructions are available on the same application page.
  • All applicants will be contacted by the end of the business day on September 19, 2025, regarding their application status.
  • Accepted YTC members must confirm their participation in the SY 2024–2025 cohort by September 23, 2025.

2025-2026 Meeting Dates

  • Brief Orientation: Week of September 22
  • October 18, 2025
  • November 15, 2025
  • December 13, 2025
  • January 24, 2025
  • February 28, 2026
  • March 21, 2026
  • April 25, 2026
  • May 16, 2026
  • June 6, 2026

Youth Transit Council Benefits

  • Career Exploration – Discover exciting opportunities for career development in Maryland’s transportation industry.
  • Bridging the Gap – Serve as the voice of Maryland youth in conversations with various MDOT MTA departments.
  • Teamwork – Collaborate with fellow youth participants from across the city.
  • Letter of Recommendation – Participants who attend at least six meetings are eligible to receive a personalized letter of recommendation for use with an organization, scholarship, higher education, or other opportunity of their choice.
  • Monthly Participation Incentives – Receive rotating incentives that recognize your valuable contributions and time spent on the committee (e.g., food at meetings, MTA swag, newsletter shout-outs, small gifts).

Past YTC Topics

  • Customer Experience Office
  • Discussions with Public Officials with Maryland Delegate and MTA Gov’t Relations Team
  • Field Trip to MTA Operations
  • Presentation from MTA’s Red Line Team

Hear what former members said about their council experience

2023-24 Council Member

“Members were able to give input into what happened at meetings and we were briefed in depth about all of the MTAs functions”

2023-24 Council Member

“I liked how the size of the group, there was always enough people for meaningful conversation to take place between council members”