TransLink commits to Vancouver Canucks
Posted May 9, 2024 3:44 pm.
Last Updated May 9, 2024 4:51 pm.
An era of ambiguity has ended after TransLink changed the messaging displayed on the front of its buses from GO TEAM GO to GO CANUCKS GO.
After several weeks of cheering on a non-descript “team,” certain vehicles in the region’s public transport fleet have eschewed inclusivity in favour of declarative fandom.
In previous years, when Vancouver reached the Stanley Cups Playoffs, buses proudly spelled out the Canucks as their favourite team. This year, TransLink opted to support all teams for a brief period.
The public response to the digital display was mixed, if not outright hostile.
But Canucks fans prevailed. On Thursday, multiple sightings showed some buses had changed back from text reading GO TEAM GO to GO CANUCKS GO. CityNews confirmed that some buses have failed to commit.
The Metro Vancouver transit service announced its intentions to change the messaging last week, but did not set a date for the update.
“Don’t worry,” the service said. “We’re changing it.”
On Wednesday, May 8, the Vancouver Canucks beat the Edmonton Oilers 5-4 in Game 1 of Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The win appears to have finally won the hearts of TransLink programmers.
Buses may also display route names between ovations.
“The way the system works is that there is only room for twelve messages that can be programmed into the bus destination signs, with the bulk of those reserved for operational issues and service alerts. We use ‘Go Team Go’ as a message to celebrate our local sporting teams,” TransLink spokesperson Tina Lovgreen explained in an email.
“To adjust these destination signs is a manual process, requiring in-person programming on each one of our 1,600 buses, which is why the more generic message exists for local sporting teams. Earlier this week we began that process to customize the message for the Canucks.”
Bus operators are also allowed to show their Canucks pride, with TransLink saying they can wear hockey jerseys on shift if they wish.
In addition to the buses, TransLink says special announcements recorded by Vancouver Canucks public address announcer Al Murdoch play at SkyTrain stations on home game days every 15 minutes between 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
“We are also working on a few things with the Canucks but can’t quite say what yet! You’ll have to wait and see,” Lovgreen added.
Another friendly wager
Just as the mayors and premiers have done, the heads of Metro Vancouver and Edmonton’s transit systems are making friendly bets of their own on the outcome of the second round.
Edmonton Transit Director Carrie Hotton-MacDonald reached out to TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn on LinkedIn earlier this week, offering to send over her city’s jersey when the Oilers “advance to the next round.”
“Alright Carrie Hotton-MacDonald — you are on!” Quinn responded. “Loser has to wear the rival teams’ jersey on their commute to work. Go ahead and send me your address in advance… since we all know who is going to win!”
Hotton-MacDonald quipped, “can’t wait to see the blue [and] orange against the backdrop of beautiful Vancouver.”
-With files from Hana Mae Nassar
