NEWS RELEASE
GRAND RIVER TRANSIT
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Grand River Transit (GRT) is excited to announce the launch of our official mascot, Ryder.
Ryder became a star at GRT after being misplaced on a snowy February day in 2022.
Rescued by transit staff, Ryder made a big impression across Waterloo Region.
To celebrate the promotion to official mascot, Ryder has been featured in a video telling a fairy-tale version of his story, and showing off his new look.
In the video, a GRT bus operator discovers Ryder and brings him to the Northfield Drive Maintenance Facility. There, he has a wonderful time watching buses and the dedicated mechanics who maintain them, eventually taking a ride through a magical bus wash.
He emerges as his human-sized version, and heads off to his adventures spreading the joy of transit.
“I am happy to welcome Ryder as GRT’s official mascot,” said Coun. Colleen James, chair of the Planning and Works Committee. “I know the community has enjoyed all of the updates about Ryder and I hope everyone will get some joy out of seeing him on the bus or while on the ION encouraging them to hop on GRT.”
Customers and the community can expect to see Ryder promoting transit throughout Waterloo Region at various events. Ryder loves encouraging transit usage, reinforcing safety messages and teaching others how to ride the bus and train, including helping others learn transit etiquette.
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