King County Metro is looking for young people from ages 15-19 to help shape the future of transit safety in King County. Metro’s Safety, Security, and Fare Enforcement (SaFE) Initiative wants to ensure the voices of youth are part of our SaFE Equity Workgroup, the panel that works with Metro to plan, prioritize, and evaluate projects to improve transit safety.  The Equity Workgroup wants to add 3-4 young people to the group.

Members of the SaFE Equity Workgroup are paid for their participation, a stipend of $75 for each hour attending meetings and other events. The SaFE Equity Workgroup meets virtually on the third Monday of each month, from 5:00pm-6:30pm. Youth workgroup members will be invited to attend regular workgroup meetings and additional youth cohort meetings 1-2 times per month. Meetings will be scheduled based on member availability.

Background on SaFE and the SaFE Equity Workgroup
In 2021, Metro launched the Safety, Security, and Fare Enforcement (SaFE) reform initiative in response to the King County Executive’s declaration of racism as a public health crisis.

Metro partnered with community members, riders, and Metro employees to develop a set of strategies and recommendations to improve transit safety, which included the development of the SaFE Equity Workgroup.

The SaFE Equity Workgroup is made up of community members who partner with Metro staff to take the transit safety recommendations from idea to implementation. The group works with Metro to plan, prioritize, and evaluate projects to improve transit safety.

Current SaFE Equity Workgroup priorities include:

  • Development and evaluation of the Behavioral Health Support pilot program.
  • Development and evaluation of the Transit Center Ambassador pilot program.
  • Communicating Metro’s Code of Conduct.
  • Updating Metro’s fare enforcement program.

Who can apply?
If you:

  • Are between the ages of 15-19
  • Live, work, or attend school in King County.
  • Currently use public transportation or are interested in using it.
  • Believe in safe, equitable access to transit.
  • Are part of a diverse community in King County and understand the challenges faced by people who are often excluded or treated unfairly.

We encourage you to put in an application to join the SaFE Equity Workgroup.

Filling out an application
If you are interested, fill out an online application.

This application will take approximately 10 – 15 minutes to complete. If you need assistance filling out this application or prefer to complete this survey in another language or format, please email HaveASay@kingcounty.gov or call (206) 263-9768.   

 The deadline to apply for the SaFE Equity Workgroup is February 16, 2024.  

Competitive applicants will be invited to participate in a virtual interview.

All applicants who provide contact information will be notified of a selection decision by March 2024.