Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, BC’s Poetry in Transit has been the longest running program of its kind in Canada. Since 1996, Books BC has partnered with TransLink and BC Transit to showcase engaging poems by local writers for residents and visitors to enjoy every year.

Earlier this year, TransLink indicated that it will not provide ad space on its buses after the 2026-27 season, citing budgetary constraints. TransLink’s financial contribution to the Poetry in Transit program comes in the form of donated advertising space, which could theoretically be otherwise sold. However, as regular bus riders know, most buses contain many empty panels. We are not convinced that the elimination of Poetry in Transit would significantly increase TransLink’s revenue.

Like public poetry programs around the world, Poetry in Transit provides transit riders of all backgrounds with moments of delight, beauty, and contemplation, reinforcing our common humanity during times of polarization and crisis. It addresses a need for language that makes us feel, grow, and think rather than just consume. Some readers have had life-changing epiphanies, made friendships, reconnected to nature, or even affirmed their love because of Poetry in Transit. 

Poetry in Transit not only supports BC writers, but also many BC businesses, including bookstores, publishers, and printers. It fosters literacy, encourages the use of public libraries, and provides teaching material for educators. It constitutes a vital, integral part of the public’s everyday experience of BC’s literary culture.

We, the undersigned, urge TransLink to continue providing space on local buses for poetry, and to reconsider its decision to end this longstanding, much-loved program. 

Sincerely,

The Committee to Save Poetry in Transit

Shashi Bhat, Editor-in-Chief of EVENT magazine; Douglas College Creative Writing faculty
Laura Farina, Poet and Program Manager, the Writer’s Studio at Simon Fraser University. 
Raoul Fernandes, Poet and library worker
Elee Kraljii Gardiner, Vancouver Poet Laureate; Co-Director, Whole Cloth reading series
Heidi Greco, Poet and writer
Fiona Tinwei Lam, Teacher, Writer, and Past Vancouver Poet Laureate 2022-2024
Lauren Peat, Poet and public school educator
Kevin Spenst, Poet; Poetry Mentor, SFU’s Writer’s Studio; Adjunct Professor, UBC
Rob Taylor, Poet; Director, Fraser Valley Writers Festival; Assistant Professor of English, UFV
Diane Tucker, Poet, editor, and visual artist
Calvin Wharton, Writer; Secretary, North Shore Writers Association