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LA County teens aged 14-17 are encouraged to apply to Metro’s Youth Council; More info available during Youth Summit Sept. 13
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) today announced the opening of the application period, which runs through Sept. 30, for the 2026 Metro Youth Council. The Metro Youth Council provides the opportunity for 27 youth, ages 14-17, from communities throughout LA County to share their ideas and perspectives about Metro’s projects and initiatives and, importantly, empower their peers to become advocates in their communities to improve the transportation system for everyone.
Each year, the Youth Council hosts a Youth Summit event for others who may be interested in joining and discussing important topics affecting them. This year the summit is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 13, from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Union Station Ticket Concourse. The theme is Youth Elevating Transit for the World Stage, and the council will host transit-related panel sessions focusing on elevating youth rider experience and best practices for youth engagement as Metro prepares for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. RSVP link: https://2025MetroYouthSummit.eventbrite.com.
“I encourage youth leaders to apply to the Metro Youth Council and share their voices in transportation planning and decision-making,” said Fernando Dutra, Metro Board Chair and City of Whittier Council Member. “The Metro Youth Council presents a great opportunity for young people to engage and participate in Metro’s plans, projects, programs and initiatives.”
Students obtain valuable experience and training for their future lives through their participation in the Youth Council. Members serve one-year terms with opportunities for those seeking leadership roles to join the Youth Council Cabinet, which includes the Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Communications Officer and Special Event Coordinator. The program also teaches youth how to advocate within their communities and within Metro, empowering them as the future riders and leaders of public transit.
“Metro’s ongoing expansion is improving transit across LA, and students today are benefitting from a system that is constantly expanding and improving for everyone,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “The Metro Youth Council creates space for high school students to learn about public transit in Los Angeles County and use their voice to help us make Metro better for everyone today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.”
Through the program, participants experience civic engagement, leadership development, and networking opportunities. They participate in Metro events and activities and connect with their peers from across LA County. At the end of the Youth Council term, each member receives a certificate of participation and a stipend.
“Being part of the Metro Youth Council gave me the chance to share my daily experiences riding the bus and rail while working with my peers to improve programs like GoPass, support major Metro events, and provide feedback across the agency,” said Sean Lee, Chair of the 2025 Youth Council. “It’s been rewarding to know that youth voices can shape the future of transit in LA County.”
Now in its fourth year, the Metro Youth Council has made remarkable contributions to Metro, including establishing its own GoPass Task Force dedicated to boosting school registration rates through various engaging activities.
To learn more about the Metro Youth Council, visit metro.net/youthcouncil.
About Metro
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly 1 million boardings daily on a fleet of 2,200 low-emission buses and seven rail lines.
Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, x.com/metrolosangeles, x.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles.
