You may not be aware that we have a Youth Panel at TfL. 😯 Our Youth Panel plays an important role in helping to create a transport network that works for young people across London. 👏
We caught up with three members to find out why they love being a part of the Youth Panel, but first… 👇
Why is it important we listen to young people?
Children and young people form a large proportion of London’s population – one in three Londoners is under the age of 25. That’s around 2.7 million people! 😱
Created in 2009, the vision of the Youth Panel is to provide a strong, unified voice for young people at TfL. Their goal is to ensure that their voices are heard and used in decision-making processes. Around 30 volunteers aged 16 to 25 who regularly travel in London make up the Youth Panel.
What work does the Youth Panel do?
The panel works on campaigns, and takes part in workshops and discussions with senior decision-makers, including London’s Deputy Mayor for Transport. Some of their work includes:
🚇 Taking part in creative workshops to feed into the renaming of London’s Overground lines
🚇 Working with other London youth groups as well as other countries such as Singapore National Youth Council
🚇 Researching how TfL can build a more environmentally sustainable and inclusive city for the future, and setting out policy recommendations for how we can do this (read more here!)
TfL Youth Panel, launch of report ‘Tomorrow’s TfL: The Youth Panel’s vision for the future’, London Transport Museum. Panel l-r: Ho-Kit Lam, Youth Panel member; Lauren Price, Youth Panel member; Shirley Rodrigues, Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy; and Andy Lord, TfL Commissioner. October 24, 2023 
TfL Youth Panel, launch of report ‘Tomorrow’s TfL: The Youth Panel’s vision for the future’, London Transport Museum. Lauren Price (left) and Ho-Kit Lam, Youth Panel members. HoOctober 24, 2023 
The TfL Youth Panel out on the network 
The TfL Youth panel taking part in a workshop 
The TfL Youth panel taking part in a workshop 
The TfL Youth Panel attending a workshop 
The TfL Youth Panel attending a mayor of London event
Meet our Youth Panel members 👋
We chatted to Emily, Zenny, and George who are current members of the panel to find out why they love being a part of the Youth Panel 👇
Emily
Tell us a bit about yourself 😁
Hi, I’m Emily and I’ve been a member of the Youth Panel for just over 3 years. I’m currently a Degree Apprentice at Accenture, working in Technology Consultancy.
What’s your favourite mode of transport and why?
One of my favourite modes of transport is the bus, as it always gets you to where you need to go. I have created lots of memories with my friends when using the bus. We take the bus (mainly the 24) to a different destination and walk back home. We have had lots of fun and at the same time explored a new area of London.
What’s the best thing you have been involved in on the Youth Panel?
I was able to attend the first Young People and Communities Conference. It opened my eyes to the maturity of so many young people in London. They shared their experiences with mental health, knife crime, and so many other pressing issues. The conference helped me to see that we need to ensure young people feel safe in every aspect of their lives. Especially when they are using public transport.
What do you love most about being on the Youth Panel?
I enjoy having discussions with the Youth Panel, especially when we have different opinions. It opens my mind to see what different young Londoners find important in Transport. It is amazing to see how when we come together with our differences and understand each other, we can produce amazing ideas for the future. An example of this is our report ‘Tomorrow’s TfL: The TfL Youth Panel’s Vision for the Future’.
How would you sum up the Youth Panel in 3 words?
Motivated, Passionate, Imaginative
Why should people join the Youth Panel?
If you are collaborative and want to represent young Londoners within transport, the TFL Youth Panel is a great way to get your voice across. Most young people don’t see how much transport affects their daily lives until they think about it. If you have a passion or interest in transport this could be your way to make an impact by representing your community.
Zenny, 22
Tell us a bit about yourself 😁
I’m a voice artist, a singer/songwriter, and an aspiring vocal coach. I joined the TFL Youth Panel as I use the services often, and am passionate about advocating for accessibility and inclusion.
What’s your favourite mode of transport and why?
My favourite mode of transport would have to be the London Underground. I feel it’s convenient, quick, and easy to follow. Additionally, there is usually always assistance available, which is useful for me as I am blind. I have to rely on the members of staff to help me navigate the stations and tubes.
What’s the best thing you have been involved in on the Youth Panel?
I think all our projects are important in their own way! However, my favourite thing so far has been exploring solutions for the cost of living crisis. It’s taken such a toll on most people if not all of us. By finding solutions we’d be helping a vast number of people.
What do you love most about being on the Youth Panel?
The thing I love most about being on the Youth Panel is being able to act as a voice to represent people like myself. It’s learning about other people’s experiences, and having the opportunity to influence decisions and positive change.
How would you sum up the Youth Panel in 3 words?
Inclusive, hard-working, admirable.
Why should people join the Youth Panel?
The panel is an ideal place for those who have an interest in the future of transport. If you are passionate about advocating for others while learning new skills, it’s a great place to get your voice heard.
George, 18
What’s your favourite mode of transport and why?
I love my bike, I’ve been on it since I was about 5 and it’s got me everywhere. It’s taken me through London, to Brighton, past France, Belgium and Holland. My bike has expanded my horizons and helped me make friends I thought I’d never make.
What’s the best thing you have been involved in on the Youth Panel?
The launch of the Cycling Action Plan was a really cool experience. Being able to talk to people making real change for cyclists was eye-opening. I got to represent people like me in the conversation to help make roads safer for all. Also riding the alternative cycles was super cool, I highly recommend it!
What do you love most about being on the Youth Panel?
Working with some incredibly talented and vigilant young people is a blessing. People from different walks of life but all care deeply about improving our travel. The idea that I can make a positive change is a big motivator and a great feeling. I’m a part of the panel who are truly making a difference.
How would you sum up the Youth Panel in 3 words?
Dedicated, inspired, fun!
Why should people join the Youth Panel?
It is an incredible experience. Not only meeting such passionate individuals, looking to make change, but also to be part of an organisation who are working to better things for everyone. It’s extremely fulfilling.
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