Vancouver riders feel Pineapple Distress as Seth Rogen voices Toronto transit ads
'We're excited that it's spurred other transit authorities to follow suit,' says TransLink
Seth Rogen appears to be a hot commodity in transit circles.
Less than a week after TransLink proclaimed that the Vancouver-born actor and comedian would guest voice public-service announcements on buses and trains, the Toronto Transit Commission made a strikingly similar announcement Tuesday.
It said Rogen had lent his voice to "a series of quirky public service announcements focused on etiquette and courtesy while riding the TTC."
In a statement, Toronto Mayor John Tory said the move is an "example of how we're moving the TTC forward in new and innovative ways."
Liza Levie, who stood outside of Vancouver's Stadium-Chinatown Skytrain station on Tuesday, had a different take: "Thieves."
Why not Drake?
Rogen grew up in Vancouver and still splits his time between the city and California.
"I have a lot of pride in the city, so I'm very happy to be associated with it as I am," Rogen told CBC News when explaining his decision to work with TransLink.
That local tie is partly why the Toronto announcement had some transit riders perplexed.
"You're joking," said Andy Clephane. "Sounds trendy. Calgary will be next," Alison Richmond mused.
"I think it'd be cool if they got someone from Toronto to do theirs," Evan Jacobs politely suggested.
Elaine Varrier offered a more apropos suggestion for Toronto: "Drake."
The response was just as pointed online.
This is neither “new” nor “innovative”, <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnTory?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JohnTory</a>. This makes sense for Vancouver as Seth Rogen is from there. Why are we copying them instead of getting a Toronto-originating/based celebrity? If you want a mid-30s white dude why not <a href="https://twitter.com/MrKristianBruun?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MrKristianBruun</a>?
—@starfishchkDon't get me wrong, I love <a href="https://twitter.com/Sethrogen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sethrogen</a> ... but seems like a major miss for <a href="https://twitter.com/TTCnotices?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TTCnotices</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TTChelps?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TTChelps</a> - why not ask a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Toronto?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Toronto</a> native like... hmmm... I don't know, <a href="https://twitter.com/Drake?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Drake</a>?!?!?! <a href="https://t.co/bJSallMMPr">https://t.co/bJSallMMPr</a>
—@larissacahuteOthers happily greeted Rogen's voice.
This is a great way to honour Seth Rogen. To hear his voice on the TTC is commendable. His fame will bring us to feel more Canadian and bring unity to the people at large. We love Seth. He is a loyal Canadian.
—@SimChou2'Look in your own backyard'
Robert Willis, TransLink's manager of social media and digital content, said Rogen's "dulcet tones" should be shared across Canada.
"We're excited that it's spurred other transit authorities to follow suit," he said.
TTC said Rogen came on board following a Twitter chat with Toronto Coun. Norm Kelly, who had noticed Rogen's offer to TransLink.
"It also gives us a bit of spotlight as well," said TransLink's Willis. "We were kind of out of the gates first. We're all friends with the transit authorities."
However, Willis encouraged transit providers to consider other voices.
"If you want to use Seth, go for it. But there's also a lot of awesome talent in Canada — local and undiscovered talent, too. Look in your own backyard."