TransLink parodies Wicked musical in chirpy introduction to new SkyTrain model

TransLink video parodies Wicked musical to launch its new Mark V SkyTrain fleet.

More engaging than a social media post and far more memorable than a tiresome written release, TransLink has opted for an all-singing, all-dancing spectacle to announce the latest addition to its SkyTrain fleet.

Those at the transit agency, ever the wallflowers, have launched the new Mark V model with a music video parody based on the Broadway-musical-turned-movie Wicked.

A staff member, decked out in a long blonde wig and various Glinda-worthy ensembles, prances through the stations and in and out of SkyTrain cars while singing a rejigged version of the catchy number ‘What Is This Feeling?’

The song leads with the question ‘Why is that SkyTrain so shiny and new?’ before journeying into lyrics that merrily applaud the car’s new features, including the wider aisles, ample bike space and new LCD screens.

TransLink Spokesperson Thor Diakow says the video was produced completely in-house by chirpy staff from TransLink and the B.C. Rapid Transit Company, who figured the earworm tune of the Broadway hit was the only appropriate way to unveil a new transport system.

“We wanted to connect it with some current pop culture that is relevant for all ages, and Wicked felt like the perfect choice,” he says.

Rehearsals for the video took about 90 minutes, and the recording of the video lasted just over two hours. Diakow says there were numerous spectators who attended the Waterfront Station customer appreciation event when the Mark V launched, who were equally as enthralled to watch the video come together in real time.

“The production team got some enthusiastic applause after the dance sequences,” he says.

Since being posted to TransLink’s Youtube page on Friday, the response to the video has been nothing but “overwhelmingly positive,” Diakow adds.

“We’ve received many comments from people outside Vancouver and even outside of Canada, with some asking where this transit system is located,” he says.

The video currently has over 150,000 views on TransLink’s Instagram account.

The first Mark V model officially entered service on the Expo Line July 10 as one of 47 new trains set to hit the tracks.