Public transportation in Metro Vancouver and its history are discussed with Jhenifer Pabillano, editor-in-chief of TransLink’s The Buzzer, with Joseph Planta.

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver at THECOMMENTARY.CA.

If you’ve ever been on public transit here in Metro Vancouver, you’ll surely know of The Buzzer. It’s the newsletter that’s distributed on all transit vehicles. It started in 1916, and 95 years later you can still read it. It’s a small folded pamphlet that belies its size. In any given issue you read about new transportation initiatives, get a crossword or some puzzle, maybe a look back at old issue, as well as forthcoming events throughout the region. In a recent issue there was a short piece about the time 25 years ago when the Prince and Princess of Wales, Charles and Diana rode the SkyTrain during Expo. And each month they give away a FareCard, and that in itself, where you have to answer a question is quite popular. The companion blog is one of the neatest online from this part of the world. You can find it at http://buzzer.translink.ca. Its editor-in-chief Jhenifer Pabillano joins me now. Since taking over the print edition and starting the blog in 2008, Pabillano has reinvigorated The Buzzer. The blog has won awards and is widely read and is a favourite of many who not only use transit, but who care about the region, and who enjoy history. There have been some great videos posted, and some neat podcasts, like the one about the woman whose voice we hear on the SkyTrain. Jhenifer’s full title at TransLink, the South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority is Online Communications Adviser. She also Tweets: @thebuzzer is the handle. Her personal website is at www.pabillano.com. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Jhenifer Pabillano; Good morning, Ms. Pabillano.

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