FAQ

Help! I don't understand transit terminology!

That's alright! Everyone must start somewhere. Here's some basics to know about our organization:

• Our official name is the Central Puget Sound Youth Transit Alliance, but we go by Sound Youth Transit Alliance. Some abbreviations you may see include CSYTA or SYTA.

• We are an independent, youth-led organization that partners with transit agencies like Sound Transit to elevate youth perspectives. We are not created by, funded by, or officially affiliated with any transit agency.

And about transit in general:

• KCM - King County Metro.

• ST - Sound Transit.

• Link 1 Line or Link 2 Line refers to Link Light Rail, the metro want-to-be train system in Seattle.

• SLU Streetcar - South Lake Union Streetcar that primarily travels on Westlake Ave.

• CID - Chinatown/International District. This is both a historical district in Seattle and the name of a light rail station.

• Sounder does not refer to the sports team, rather the commuter rail line named after them.

• A Transfer ticket: a valid fare that you've already paid. Once an ORCA card is tapped, it will never charge the same fare for the next two hours. For example, if you board a KCM bus at 10:00 AM, which costs $2.75, and then a Link Light Rail train at 11:00 AM, which costs $3.00, your total cost for that trip will be $3.00. The timing is based on when you tap your ORCA card.

What does a member have to do?

A member isn’t required to do anything. But you’ll get access to surveys, feedback platforms, and opportunities to shape transit improvements in your local area. You can be as active or as hands-off as you like.

What’s the difference between a member and a leadership role?

Members support our mission by staying informed, sharing feedback, and participating in surveys or events when they can. Leadership team members, on the other hand, are actively involved in organizing projects, creating content, managing outreach, and shaping the direction of SYTA. It’s a bigger commitment, but also a bigger opportunity to lead, collaborate, and make an impact.

Who can join?

Anyone aged 12–19 who lives in King, Pierce, or Snohomish counties and cares about better transportation is welcome — no experience needed. Whether you’re a bus rider, a cyclist, or just want to help your community, there’s a place for you.

What does CSYTA actually do?

We advocate for smarter, more accessible public transit by:

• Proposing new bus routes and redesigns

• Giving public comments at board meetings

• Producing videos, maps, and visuals

• Gathering feedback from youth riders

• Connecting with local planners and agencies

Is this a club or a nonprofit?

We’re a youth-led advocacy group. Think of us as a mix between a student organization and a civic project. Our long-term goal is to become a registered nonprofit, but we’re starting by building youth-led momentum.

Note: We are not yet a registered nonprofit, so donations made to us are not tax-deductible. We plan to explore official nonprofit status as we grow.

Can I help if I don’t know much about transit?

Yes! If you care about your community, you’re qualified. We’ll help you learn the rest — whether it’s how to comment at meetings, read a route map, or understand what “ST4” means.