Regional Leads
Arushi Nath
Regional Lead – Central
Arushi Nath is a Foresight Fellow, 2024 Masason Scholar, and a two-time winner of Canada’s Top Young Scientist Award. She is passionate about using science to bridge the gap between data and policy, advocating for evidence-based decision-making in local and global challenges.
As a high school student who navigates downtown Toronto daily, she has firsthand experience with transit issues and the challenges of unreliable public transportation. She has engaged in transit advocacy through deputations and rallies, and she contributes to discussions on transit policy as part of the Toronto Youth Cabinet’s Transit Group. With expertise in astrophysics, AI, and public engagement, she believes in an interdisciplinary approach to tackling societal issues.
Central Region:
Peel
York
Toronto
Halton
Simcoe
Durham
Nick Walton
Regional Lead – Southeast
Southeast Region:
Brant
Haldimand
Niagara
Waterloo
Wellington
Dufferin
Oxford
Perth
What's the difference between a Regional Lead and a regular volunteer?
They advocate for major infrastructure projects, such as GO Transit expansion projects, 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.
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.