TMS, its buses and volunteers, were busy this past month. On the events front we attended the Blossom Block Party, held at the “Golden Triangle”. For those not familiar with the location, this is the area bounded by Burrard, Dunsmuir and Melville Streets. I believe that the term originated within BC Hydro planning and operations, referring to the high current load and high commercial value of the area. It was later adopted by the Transportation Department as a terminus even appearing (if I recall correctly) on destination signs.
Anyway, on April 4, 2026 volunteers aboard #730 attended the Block party where there were live DJ and dance performances, pop‑up bar and food vendors, kids’ activities and games in the car-free streets.
Then four days later, some volunteers attended the Day of Pink, on April 8th, as guests of Unifor Local 111 – the bus operator’s union. The Day of Pink is a Canadian anti‑bullying and anti‑discrimination event where people wear pink to stand against homophobia, transphobia, and all forms of bullying. This year was especially symbolic as it was the 25‑year anniversary of the passing of Canada’s landmark 2000 law — the Modernization of Benefits and Obligations Act (Bill C‑23) — which for the first time granted same‑sex couples equal federal benefits and obligations, marking a major turning point on the road to marriage equality.
(photo of 730 at Golden Triangle: Ewen Streit, below: Matthew Walker)
Rob Chew, Angus McIntyre and myself attended, bringing a Grant farebox and destination rool sign as “conversation starters” — which they were! Angus appeared onstage to recollect his early transit career as a gay bus operator.
On March 27th, there was the Larwill Park Dedication of Places That Matter. This is a program of the Vancouver Heritage Foundation, recognizing the historical importance of noteworthy places in Vancouver. The program is unique in that sites are nominated by the community. Each receives a plaque. #98 was Larwill Park with its history spanning from the early 1890s as an athletic ground, the Military Parade Grounds, the Pacific Stage Lines bus station in the 1940s to the 1990s, and its future as the site of the Vancouver Art Gallery. Appropriately, when we were asked to attend the dedication, representing the bus depot era, we chose to take 4612. As a North Vancouver bus, it is quite likely it operated from there. Member Evan Russell, who drove the bus to the event also gave a short speech. (Photos: Matthew Walker)
And last Sunday (April 26th) was our “Rails to Rubber” fan-trip aboard 4612. This was organized by Milan Streit, building on the work of Lawrence Walker who had made contact with the Fraser Valley Heritage Rail Society. Some years ago, we donated interurban parts to the FVHRS in return for two dates when we could bring members and the general public to the Cloverdale Station for an interurban ride. We would be able to keep revenue generated. Milan combined this the second such venture with a fan trip to other local sites. We hear that a grand time was had by all – not to mention the FVHRS threw a surprise BBQ for us!
(Photos by Ewen Streit)
