A petition calling for TransLink to reconsider cutting funding for a popular community arts initiative has been launched by a group of concerned artists and transit riders.
The Save Poetry in Transit petition urges TransLink to continue providing space on local buses for poetry, and reconsider the decision to end the program that’s celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026.
According to Laura Farina, poet, program manager of the Writer’s Studio at Simon Fraser University, and member of the Committee to Save Poetry in Transit, TransLink has the power to bring a little joy to everyone’s daily commute.
Save Poetry In Transit Committee
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“There’s something really beautiful about encountering art while you’re going about your daily life,” Farina told Daily Hive. “If you’re on the bus and you look up and find a Poetry in Transit poem, there’s a chance it could make you smile, or make you think.
“There’s a chance you’ll feel connected to the words and the person who wrote them. And maybe by feeling that connection, you’ll feel a little more connected to the city, as well. To other bus riders, or to people you pass on the street. I think poetry’s so great for that, making a space where imaginations can meet and understand each other just a little better.”
Poetry in Transit was launched by the Association of Book Publishers of BC (Books BC) in 1996 to connect public transit riders with poetry by poets from across the province. It is the longest-running program of its kind in Canada.
Save Poetry In Transit Committee
According to Books BC, the organization was informed earlier this year that TransLink was unable to secure continued funding in support of the program after 2027.
“Since it is made possible largely in part due to our partnership with TransLink, it is likely that 2026-27 will be the final year of Poetry in Transit in Vancouver,” explained Asna Shaikh, program manager at Books BC. “Poetry in Transit has significant cultural value to the city and the province. It puts Vancouver on the global map with other major metropolitan cities that have similar poetry programs.
“Without it, we will lose the opportunity to bring local poetry to tens of thousands of bus riders annually, the B.C. public will no longer be able to enjoy homegrown art for free as they go about their daily lives, and the city will lose yet another art and public engagement initiative.”
The petition currently has over 1,300 verified signatures online.
TransLink
A TransLink spokesperson told Daily Hive that the decision to end our participation in Poetry in Transit beginning in 2027 was a “difficult” one.
“We recognize the value this long-standing program has brought to our customers and the literary community, and appreciate the role it has played in bringing arts and culture into everyday journeys,” said the TransLink spokesperson. “Like many public organizations, TransLink is facing significant financial pressures and must carefully consider how we allocate resources while continuing to deliver the transit services our customers rely on.
“TransLink remains committed to supporting arts and culture through our broader Art & Culture Program, including permanent and temporary public art commissioned by regional and Indigenous artists, and our Busker Program. We are also open to discussing potential sponsorship opportunities that could support Poetry in Transit’s future.”
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Supporters of the Save Poetry in Transit petition have not given up hope yet that the program can be saved.
“The space allotted to poems on the buses and trains is already far too little,” said one person. “I advocate for more poems on transit, not fewer. Poetry on Transit is a welcome break from the other posted reading material, which is mostly advertisements.”
“We need these places of inspiration and cultural connection more than ever right now,” added another. “Please renew Poetry in Transit for at least another 30 years.”