MENU
SEARCHNew language pins help TransLink staff assist riders in 40+ languages, improving accessibility across the transit system.
2021 census data shows 27% of Metro Vancouver households use a language other than English or French at home.
Photo: TransLink
More than 150 frontline workers across the TransLink system are wearing pins that say “hello” in various languages to let customers know which languages they speak in addition to English.
The initiative will allow customers to ask for help in their preferred language, improving accessibility and inclusion in the transit experience. The program features more than 40 languages, including American Sign Language, Mandarin, Cantonese, Ukrainian, and more.
With more staff joining, the program is becoming more accessible. Participants are from TransLink, Coast Mountain Bus Company, and the BC Rapid Transit Company.
“I know it can be difficult to ask for help when you don’t speak the local language,” TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn said. “These language pins help create a more welcoming environment for all customers and improve the transit experience for everyone who rides our system.”
Over 150 TransLink staff now wear “hello” pins in various languages to help riders in their preferred language.
Photo: TransLink
The program complements other multilingual resources offered by TransLink, including:
Customer information support is available in more than 300 languages by calling 604.953.3333.
Access Transit Customer Care in more than 300 languages by calling 604.953.3680.
Travel training videos on YouTube in English, Cantonese, French, Mandarin, Punjabi, Ukrainian, and English Described Video.
Sessions for seniors, newcomers, and persons with disabilities in more than 11 languages
Additional languages are available upon request through community organizations.
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada census, more than 27% of Metro Vancouver families speak a language other than English or French at home. The census also highlights the region’s diverse population, with approximately 170 languages spoken throughout Metro Vancouver.
TransLink’s language pin initiative builds on the agency’s efforts to improve the customer experience and ensure riders feel confident navigating the transit system.
METRO’s People Movement highlights the latest leadership changes, promotions, and personnel news across the public transit, motorcoach, and people mobility sectors.
Read More →
BART began offering select parking lots to non-BART riders to generate new revenue to help address its FY27 $376M operating budget deficit brought on by remote work.
Read More →
Agencies across the U.S. honored transit workers on March 18, recognizing the essential roles they play in keeping communities moving daily.
Read More →
Drawing on decades of industry experience, Evans-Benson offered insights into the differences between the two, along with tips for better customer engagement and more.
Read More →
The renewals include continued operations at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida; the PRTC in Virginia; and RTC Washoe in Nevada.
Read More →
The new system introduces tap-to-pay, touchscreen kiosks, and updated Breeze cards, with both old and new systems running through May.
Read More →
The governor’s proposed auto insurance reforms could save the agency $48 million annually by limiting payouts in crashes where buses are not primarily at fault.
Read More →
What truly drives the cost of a paratransit fleet? Beyond the purchase price, seven operational factors quietly determine maintenance frequency, downtime, and long-term service reliability. This whitepaper explores how these factors shape lifecycle cost and what agencies should evaluate when selecting paratransit vehicles.
Read More →
In this conversation, TBC’s Executive Director Ed Redfern, President Corey Aldridge, and Washington Representative Joel Rubin outline the coalition’s key policy priorities, the challenges facing transit agencies, and how industry stakeholders can work together to strengthen the voice of bus transit at the federal level.
Read More →
Amanda Wanke, who has worked at DART for 10 years, including the past 2½ years as CEO, will join Metro Transit as deputy chief operating officer, operations administration.
Read More →
