ETS puts a wrap on Pride Week 2019

A vividly coloured, expertly decaled and lovingly designed Edmonton Transit Service bus is now part of the fleet and out on the street.

“We’re pretty excited to unveil our new Pride bus to the people and for the people of Edmonton,” said Eddie Robar, Branch Manager, ETS.

“We have a very diverse working group at ETS that serves a very diverse city. Wrapping a bus makes it a kind of communication vehicle itself to celebrate Edmonton’s LGBTQ2S+ community,  and the spirit of inclusion.”

Here’s a look at some of what it takes—and who it takes—to wrap a 2018, 27,000-pound, 7000-series ETS bus.

The bus debuted on Friday, June 7, after the official proclamation of Pride Week by Mayor Don Iveson and the Pride flag raising ceremony. Eight-year ETS veteran Doug Guey was behind the wheel.

Mayor Iveson stressed that Pride’s work will not be done until all feel safe and included in our community. He said Pride has evolved, and will continue to evolve, and he paid tribute to those who made their voices heard and presence felt in the early days of protest and advocacy.

Mayor Don Iveson at Pride Week 2019 Proclamation

Among those in the crowd listening to the Mayor’s remarks was former Edmonton City Councillor Michael Phair.

Former City Councillor Michael Phair

ETS will put the bus into regular service, use it for special events, including the Transit Skills Competition in mid-June, and as a charter bus.

Thanks to the artists at Cowan Graphics and Pattison for their part in a vintage Edmonton project that brought colour and love and history to a rainy day in June.

Edmonton Transit Pride Bus
Edmonton Transit Pride Bus