Vancouver riders feel Pineapple Distress as Seth Rogen voices Toronto transit ads

Seth Rogenappears to bea hot commodity in transit circles.

Less than a weekafter TransLinkproclaimed that the Vancouver-born actor and comedian would guest voice public-service announcements on buses and trains, the Toronto Transit Commission made a strikinglysimilar announcement Tuesday.

It said Rogenhad lent hisvoice to "a series of quirky public service announcements focused on etiquette and courtesy while riding the TTC."

In a statement, TorontoMayor John Tory said the move is an "example of how we're moving the TTC forward in new and innovative ways."

Liza Levie, who stood outside of Vancouver'sStadium-Chinatown Skytrainstation on Tuesday, had a different take: "Thieves."

Why not Drake?

Rogen grew up in Vancouver and still splits his time between the city and California.

"I have a lot of pride in the city, so I'm very happy to be associated with it as I am," Rogen told CBC News when explaining his decision to work withTransLink.

That local tie is partly why the Toronto announcementhad some transit riders perplexed.

"You're joking," said Andy Clephane."Sounds trendy. Calgary will be next," Alison Richmond mused.

"I think it'd be cool if they got someone from Toronto to do theirs," Evan Jacobs politely suggested.

Elaine Varrier offered a more apropos suggestion for Toronto: "Drake."

The response was just as pointed online.

Others happilygreeted Rogen's voice.

'Look in your own backyard'

Robert Willis, TransLink's manager of social media and digital content, said Rogen's"dulcet tones" should be shared across Canada.

"We're excited that it's spurred other transit authorities to follow suit," he said.

TTCsaidRogencame on board followinga Twitter chat with Toronto Coun. Norm Kelly, who had noticed Rogen's offer to TransLink.

"It also gives us a bit of spotlight as well," said TransLink'sWillis."We were kind of out of the gates first. We're all friends with the transit authorities."

However, Willis encouraged transit providers to consider other voices.

"If you want to use Seth, go for it. But there's also a lot of awesome talent in Canada localand undiscovered talent, too. Look in your own backyard."

Read more from CBC British Columbia