Buskers returning to TransLink stations for the first time in over two years

TransLink stations will soon be alive with the sound of music again as the transportation authority revives the busker program for the first time since the pandemic.

Thor Diakow with the transportation authority, says TransLink is thrilled to welcome the talented local performers that have entertained locals getting from point A to B for over 35 years.

“We’re really excited to bring back our buskers, and we appreciate their patience over the last two years because it has been put on hold,” Diakow said. “We’re welcoming back anyone that had a valid license to perform a couple of years ago. So that will be honoured.”

Diakow adds there are 44 buskers coming back to 12 station locations.

While the return of buskers will only buskers who were licensed to perform in 2019, next year new musicians will have a shot to perform. Auditions will be held in the fall for new buskers interested in joining in the new year.

To busk there is a $75 fee for a 24-month permit.

“We have auditions on an annual basis, single and dual performances are welcome.”

A duo performance from the 2013 auditions. (Courtesy TransLink)

Performances are about 90 minutes with 30 minute intervals between each performance, Diakow explains.

An experience action plan released in March heard communters express their love for the musical performances while on their journey.

Apart from bringing back the musicians riders have said they’ve dearly missed, TransLink is also rolling-out what its calls the “Art Moves” program.

This program includes 54 free performances between May and October at five key transit hubs — Waterfront, Lonsdale Quay, Surrey Central, Coquitlam Central, and the Bridgeport Bus Exchange.

“We’ll see not only music, but a variety of performances on the transit system,” Diakow said. “This is a great way for local artists, many of them award-winning, to have a spotlight shone on them and to entertain and engage our customers all across the system.”

Commuters can expect to see artists like spoken word poets, illusionists and even live painters.

“So a really eclectic mix of people that we’re really trying to branch out when it comes to entertainment on the system.”