Young People Lean Into San Francisco’s Transportation Future

On Saturday, September 18th at 1 PM, SFMTA’s Youth Transportation Advisory Board (YTAB) will host a Youth Town Hall both in-person at 49 South Van Ness, Conference Room B (masks required) and virtually. Since February 2021, YTAB members, youth between the ages of 14 and 18, have been sharing their transportation perspectives with SFMTA staff. Now, board members want to hear their peers’ transportation experiences and needs. The goal of the town hall is to learn from youth across the city so the SFMTA can better serve them in the future.

The Youth Town Hall will cover a range of transportation-related topics that impact youth and their communities. YTAB hopes this event will support relationship-building with youth and with organizations that serve youth and their families. These relationships will help the SFMTA better meet community needs through youth-informed service improvements. Feedback about youth experiences and needs will be incorporated into SFMTA services and will be considered in the upcoming FY23-24 budget. 

Topics will include, YTAB’s vision and goals, Free Muni for Youth, racial equity on Muni, and SFMTA behind the scenes. Additionally, one of YTAB’s goals is to make internal processes, including the budget, more transparent so youth and youth organizations can continuously engage and make their priorities known. The town hall will include a brief presentation on the SFMTA budget with an open discussion about current transportation experiences and needs. All members of the public are invited, however, as a youth-centered space, youth feedback will be prioritized. 

For any questions, please email YTAB@SFMTA.com. Please register online here if you plan to attend.

Additionally, YTAB members are calling for young artists, 21 and under, to submit their art for inclusion in the SFMTA’s first Budget Guide! Art pieces should reflect the artist’s transportation experiences. For example, depict your favorite stop, transit line, or destination! Art submissions are due by 11:59 PM on Thursday, September 16th.

Read more and submit your art at the YTAB Budget Guide Art Competition webpage.