The Buzzer is TransLink’s free onboard publication with news, tips, and updates, first appearing board Vancouver’s public transportation on June 2, 1916.
It was initially distributed on board “jitneys”, which were privately-owned cars that picked up passengers for a fee. These jitneys competed for passengers with the local trams run by BC Electric Railway Co.
The General Manager of BC Electrical Railway realized the publication could keep people informed about services and to encourage riders to use the trams.
At the beginning, the newsletter didn’t have a name – after a contest of over 5,000 entries, “The Buzzer” was selected as its new name. Despite many changes over the years, its focus has always been to deliver fun and interesting information about transportation and the community, to transit riders.
Explore the Tram Car 1220: Shaping a Community exhibit to read a copy of the April 20, 1955 issue “Rails to Rubber” about the impending end of rail in our community.
Visit the Steveston Tram during Culture Days on Saturday, October 5, 2024 to create your own artistic version of The Buzzer using scrapbooking techniques, and receive a vintage commemorative copy of the 1990 Buzzer celebrating the 100th Anniversary of transit in BC (while supplies last). Don’t miss a visit by the Transit Museum on the same day, from 12noon to 4pm.
