Regional Leads
The Regional Lead is responsible for overseeing and coordinating transit advocacy efforts across multiple cities within a specific region. They support and guide City Leads, ensuring local advocacy aligns with MTSO’s broader strategy while addressing unique regional transit challenges.
UPDATES:
Feb 7, 2025 | Regional Lead for Central and Southeast have been appointed.
Be part of a movement for change.
With countless infrastructure projects, service cuts, funding changes and the rapid pace of news in transit, our to-do list continues to grow. We need your help in advocating for more frequent, interconnected, and reliable transportation networks across Southern Ontario.
Job Title: Regional Lead
Location: Various regions in Southern Ontario
Job Type: Volunteer (Advocacy & Leadership)
Application Deadline: Rolling review until all positions are filled
Time Commitment: Flexible, with regular meetings & advocacy activities
What will you do in this role?
Minimum 4-hour monthly commitment.
Collaborate with officials, agencies, and stakeholders to enhance rider experience.
Monitor project progress, budgets, and deliverables.
Stay informed on regional transit developments and manage related campaigns.
Lead a regional team and delegate tasks as required in a project.
Participate in public consultations and deputations to amplify riders’ voices.
Work with Local Leads to support advocacy efforts, events, public statements and engagement, and media outreach.
Maintain accurate records of membership, finances, and engagement statistics in the region.
Prepare reports for updates on transit issues and progress at meetings.
Must agree to privacy/confidentiality agreement.
Qualifications
Committed to enhancing public transit for all riders.
Strong communication skills for engaging with various stakeholders.
Capable of organizing advocacy campaigns and outreach initiatives.
Experience in community organizing or policy engagement is beneficial.
Active transit user with an understanding of rider challenges.
Benefits of becoming a Regional Lead
Be a key advocate for transit riders in your region.
Gain experience in policy advocacy, volunteer coordination, and community organizing.
Work with a network of passionate transit advocates across Southern Ontario.
Make a real impact on transit service, accessibility, and affordability. Receive training from a supportive team that will help you thrive.
Regional Leads:
Southeast Region
Brant
Haldimand
Niagara
Waterloo
Wellington
Dufferin
Oxford
Perth
Southwest Region
Essex
Chatam-Kent
Lambton Elgin
Middlesex
Norfolk
Huron
Bruce
Grey
Central Region
Peel
York
Toronto
Halton
Simcoe
Durham
Eastern Region
Kawartha Lakes
Haliburton
Peterborough
Northhumberland
Prince Edward
Hastings
Lennox and Addington
Frontenac
Kingston
Leeds and Grenville
Lanark
Renfrew
Ottawa
Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry
Prescott and Russell
What's the difference between a Regional Lead and a regular volunteer?
This position involves advocating for major infrastructure projects, such as GO Transit expansion, regional bus networks, and fare integration. Regional Leads engage with provincial and federal agencies, transit authorities, and key stakeholders to influence transportation planning and policy.
They also support City Leads by coordinating advocacy efforts between municipalities and ensuring a unified approach to transit improvements. This role requires a stronger commitment than that of a regular volunteer, as Regional Leads help shape MTSO’s policy positions, reports, and advocacy strategies.
While City Leads focus on local transit issues, Regional Leads are critical in shaping a broader transit network across multiple cities, advocating for system-wide improvements:
Network Advocacy: Pushing for better integration between local transit systems and major regional services like GO Transit, VIA Rail, and intercity bus networks.
Major Infrastructure Projects: Engaging with governments and transit agencies on key projects, such as new rail lines, highway-based transit corridors, and regional fare integration.
Regional Coordination: Supporting City Leads by ensuring that transit planning considers the needs of riders traveling between cities and regions.
Stakeholder Engagement: Representing MTSO in discussions with provincial and federal transit authorities, as well as organizations focused on regional transportation planning.
How to Apply
When emailing, please indicate which region you are applying for (Southwest, Central, Eastern).
All applicants are welcome, even if you don't have experience as we want passionate and dedicated advocates.
Add only relevant experiences on your resume.
Cover letters are accepted, but not required.
Attachments must have a maximum of 2 pages.
You can apply for one City/Regional Lead position at a time.