The new print Buzzer is out! A good chunk of this issue is devoted to what’s in store for transit in 2012. I don’t want to steal the issue’s thunder, so make sure you pick up the issue on the buses, SkyTrain, SeaBus and West Coast Express or, alternatively, download it. For more specifics on the improvement to transit this year, check out the Transit looks ahead press release.

I’ve started a new semi-regular section of the print Buzzer this month called Metro Vancouver by transit. The idea is to spotlight a community that can be reached by transit and explore great places in that community that you can reach by transit. This first instalment is on Mount Pleasant in Vancouver. There’s a lot going on in this part of Vancouver, so it’s easy to say that it’s worth checking out. I’ll be looking for more communities to spotlight, so if you have any ideas, please do send me an email to thebuzzer@translink.ca.

I also wrote a piece on thefts of smartphones near SkyTrain stations. These handy and expensive pieces of electronics can be tempting to criminals so it’s good to be vigilant when out on the system using them. I list five common sense tips that can protect yourself and your smartphone from harm.

The rest of the issue is comprised of the usual suspects including Coming events, Contest Corner and Back Issues. The February 1974 issue of the Buzzer is this month’s look back at transit history gold. That issue featured an article on a board game based on Vancouver bus routes called, “Vancouver Buses”. If any Buzzer blog readers have a copy or have even heard about please shoot me an email. I’d love to know more about it or even play it!

Our artist this month is Andrea Rodgers. She was super fun to work with and did a pretty bang on illustration. Here are her answers to a few questions I asked her:

Tell us about yourself and your art.
I like the aesthetic of rough hand drawn lines. Often working in pen, I like to add in watercolour and india ink.
The unexpected nature of the medium appeals to me. Makes it more of an adventure.
For this illustration I scanned it in and worked with photoshop and illustrator.

How did you come up with the concept for your illustration?
Heritage hall is an architectural beauty in Vancouver. It was an easy choice to represent the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood.
On a good day – From this point on the hill you can often see the mountains and a good part of the city too.
I suppose it represents a memory of mine.

Are you a transit user?
Occasionally I am a transit user. Nights or days when there is too much ice and snow to ride my bike.
I’m a fan of the skytrain, and am ever-thankful to the Canada Line for access to the airport.