SkyTrain worker sent home for political endorsement over PA

A transit system employee in Vancouver is facing an investigation after spouting a political endorsement over the Broadway SkyTrain station public-address system during the morning rush.

At a political rally in the station for B.C. NDP Leader Carole James on Thursday morning, the unidentified employee went on the PA and said, "Carole James rocks," and then made an unfavourable comment about B.C. Liberal Leader Gordon Campbell.

With the May 12 provincial election just five days away, hundreds of commuters heard the message as they walked through the station near the intersection of Broadway and Commercial Drive.

Doug Kelsey, the CEO of B.C. Rapid Transit, which operates the SkyTrain for TransLink, said the unscheduled announcement was being investigated.

"We have an individual who elected to go beyond the scope of their position and make personal statements, which [is] wrong. And that will be investigated and dealt with accordingly," said Kelsey.

"The individual has been immediately removed from their duties and sent home.… Quite clearly this is very inappropriate and unprofessional," he said.

Kelsey said that to his knowledge this is the first instance of an employee announcing personal opinions on a SkyTrain PA.