By Canadian Press

Seth Rogen lends voice to TTC public service announcements

Jul 31, 2018 | 1:22 PM

TORONTO — Canadian comedy star Seth Rogen is taking Toronto Transit Commission riders to task in a series of funny and friendly public service announcements that come just days after he lent his raspy tones to Metro Vancouver’s TransLink.

Unveiled Tuesday in TTC subway stations and on its website, the 10 PSAs cover a variety of transit issues, including fare evasion, personal grooming and eating, and those who hold train doors.

“Hey, TTC customers, Seth Rogen here — fellow Canadian and public transit user,” Rogen says in one of the PSAs.

“I always hold the door for my mother, because she raised me right. But holding a subway door for her would get me in trouble. I don’t need the hassle, or the delay, so leave ‘dem doors alone.”

The Vancouver-born actor-writer-filmmaker said he wants to “help make everyone’s riding experience as amazing as it could possibly be.”

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“I use public transportation, myself, and would like people to not be clipping their toe nails around me,” Rogen added in a statement.

The TTC said Rogen donated his time and voice after Toronto city councillor Norm Kelly suggested it on Twitter.

While there was no fee for Rogen’s services, there were some costs associated with the recording session, editing and travel, said TTC spokesman Brad Ross, who went to California for two days for the project.

“Goodwill that you cannot buy for that price,” Ross said in a phone interview, noting the total cost for the entire project was $2,300.

Last week the “Pineapple Express” star announced he’s the new guest voice of Translink, tackling transit etiquette as well as “interesting tidbits” about the area and his relationship to Metro Vancouver.

He’s a replacement for Morgan Freeman, who was removed from TransLink public announcements following allegations of harassment and inappropriate behaviour against the Oscar winner.

For the TTC, Rogen recorded messages that are about 20 seconds each and focus on etiquette and common courtesy amongst passengers.

“Imagine, if you would, a world without feet,” he says in one PSA. 

“OK, don’t, because it’s freaky. But anyway, imagine a TTC where no one puts their feet on the seat. So yes, while feet are cool please leave them on the floor while riding the TTC.”

“It is another example of how we’re moving the TTC forward in new and innovative ways,” Toronto Mayor John Tory said in a statement.

Victoria Ahearn, The Canadian Press