Seattle public transit commuters will soon have their hearts go on and on a “uniquely branded pop-culture transportation experience” according to a Thursday morning announcement from King County Metro’s RapidRide program.
“I’m proud to announce that King County Metro has partnered with international singing sensation Céline Dion to offer our new ‘C-Line Dion,” said RapidRide Manager Sarah Bledsoe at this morning’s press conference.
The C-Line Dion will replace the existing C-Line buses with no changes to operations except the addition of a 24/7 Celine Dion soundtrack playing on a loop. The branded buses will be outfitted with new speakers in each seat to play songs from the Canadian recording artist’s lengthy career.
“Taking into account our Equity and Social Justice Strategic Plan, tracks will of course be played in both English and French,” Bledsoe said.
Each bus will also feature a giant lifelike bust of Dion attached to the roof.
Bledsoe said the contract with Céline Dion cost King County $37 million dollars and will raise the cost of Metro bus tickets from $2.75 to “a mere” $13.50.
“Yes, the price is going up a bit, but that’s the way it is.”
