TransLink has launched a program where frontline staff wear pins showing “hello” in various languages, making it easier for riders to get help in their preferred language and improving the overall transit experience. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The initiative features more than 40 languages, including Mandarin, Cantonese, Ukrainian, and American Sign Language. Over 150 employees from TransLink, Coast Mountain Bus Company, and BC Rapid Transit Company are already participating, and more staff continue to join.

TransLink Introduces New Language Pins for Better Service
Over 150 TransLink staff now wear “hello” pins in various languages to help riders in their preferred language.
Photo: TransLink

TransLink Expands Accessibility Through Multilingual Support

According to CEO Kevin Quinn, the language pins make the system more welcoming and help customers feel confident when seeking assistance. The move aligns with TransLink’s commitment to inclusivity and customer service excellence.

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This initiative complements other multilingual resources such as customer support in 300+ languages via 604.953.3333 and Access Transit Customer Care at 604.953.3680. Riders can also access travel training videos on YouTube in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Punjabi, Ukrainian, and more.

TransLink Responds to Metro Vancouver’s Diversity

Metro Vancouver is home to speakers of around 170 languages, and over 27% of households use a language other than English or French, according to the 2021 Statistics Canada census. This diversity makes multilingual communication essential for an accessible transit system.

TransLink’s language pin program supports cultural inclusion and builds trust among riders. By making communication easier, the agency strengthens its mission to provide equitable, user-friendly transit services for everyone across the region.

Source: www.metro-magazine.com

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