Canadian actor and director Seth Rogen helped make a name for himself in Pineapple Express, but the popular comedian’s next gig will apparently be on the West Coast Express.
TransLink has announced the Vancouver-born star as its new “guest voice” on Metro Vancouver transit.
WATCH: Seth Rogen agreed to do TransLink voice-overs for free
In a promotional video released on Thursday, Rogen can be heard giving passengers helpful tips.
“Hey Vancouver, it’s Seth. Here’s a tip to make your transit ride even more awesome. I know your bag is probably very nice and you care deeply for it. But that doesn’t mean it needs its own seat,” Rogen says in one clip.
“Those are very nice sneakers. But kind of a horror show on the sole. So get those feet off the seat. My mom might be sitting there one day. Come on!” he says in another.
In the promotional video, Rogen said he was happy to do the voice-overs because he is proud to be from Vancouver and grew up taking public transit in the city.
“I still use public transit when I’m in the city. I do take the Canada Line all the time, I go to the Richmond Night Market a lot and parking is incredibly difficult, and I live downtown, so there’s a lot of stops nearby,” Rogen said.
“When the opportunity came up to be a voice on public transportation I was thrilled. I am honestly always looking for ways to participate in Canadian culture and to put the spotlight on Canada.
“I mention Canada a lot in our movies and our work.”
WATCH: TransLink puts Freeman on ‘pause’
Rogen’s guest appearance originated from TransLink’s abortive plans to have Hollywood star Morgan Freeman do promotional transit voice-overs about its new tap-to-pay system.
Freeman was dropped after #MeToo allegations of inappropriate behaviour, prompting Vancouver Province reporter Stephanie Ip to tweet to the transit authority recommending the Vancouver-native as an alternative.
“After some thought, I do have a suggestion: @Sethrogen. I would happily listen to him announce my transit stops all day, every day BUT ONLY IF IT COMES WITH THE LAUGH,” Ip wrote.
Rogen replied to the tweet, offering himself up, and TransLink replied offering to start talks.
“TransLink is pleased to announce that it is partnering with Vancouver-born actor and director Seth Rogen to promote transit ridership and improve the customer experience while using Vancouver’s growing transit system,” said TransLink vice president of customer communications and public affairs Steve Vanagas.
Vanagas said Rogen agreed to do the work for free, out of pride for the region and to improve the experience of passengers.
“We are always listening to our customers and that means on social media as well. This idea came from our customers and the local media and we’re happy to have been able to get this done in support of our transit system,” said Vanagas.
Rogen’s voice-overs are slated to roll out in the coming weeks.