From the clouds of Bespin to the Sarlacc pit of Carkoon, TransLink loves to celebrate Star Wars Day.

On May the 4th, our intrepid crew embarks on a mission to bring you closer to a galaxy far, far away.

For the last four years, TransLink has been paying tribute to the wonderfully wacky world of Star Wars in a variety of clever ways.

Granted, it did have humble beginnings.

One Padawan with a particular penchant for Star Wars is ^LA (known outside of the galaxy as Lance Alden). His name even sounds like he could be on a smuggling run with Han and Chewie.

Lance started working for Coast Mountain Bus Company 13 years ago as a cook in the cafeteria. After a few years, his work journey took him to the call centre at Gateway Station, where he’s now a Customer Information Work Leader.

During his time, Lance has been open about his love for Star Wars because, “it’s never something I would have hidden!”

In 2019, he had the bright idea of collaborating with his team of fellow Work Leaders and the folks behind The Buzzer to really elevate our Star Wars Day content.

This year, the team added a few new characters to the roster.

Your backpack, or even your jetpack.. does not need a seat! Please make room for your fellow Jedi, Padawans or even a Mandalorian, and keep those seats clear! Happy #StarWarsDay and #MayTheFourthBeWithYou @StarWars ^LA pic.twitter.com/cJcx2xj8yT

— TransLink BC (@TransLink) May 4, 2022

We’re working hard to make all of our system accessible to everyone in the galaxy! We're in the process of adding braille to all 8,400 bus and starship stops from Tatooine to Mandalore! #accesibility #braille #MayTheFourthBeWithYou #StarWarsDay @StarWars ^LA pic.twitter.com/InqDHV4a71

— TransLink BC (@TransLink) May 4, 2022

Just out patrolling the galaxy with some help from Grogu and the Mandalorian. If you see anything unsafe out on the @TransLink star system don’t forget to use the force and report it by texting us at 87.77.77! #MayTheFourthBeWithYou #StarWarsDay pic.twitter.com/T0pWnQLIyh

— Metro Vancouver Transit Police (@TransitPolice) May 4, 2022

Lance’s job mainly involves keeping customers informed about service disruptions, delays, and detours across the transit system. While he and his team are usually reacting to issues or helping the public, Lance loves creating something fun every year on a very special day for him and Star Wars fans across the galaxy.

In case you’re wondering, his favourite flick is 1980’s The Empire Strikes Back. He’s a big Hoth fan.

What’s in store for next year? Lance and his crew say they have something even bigger planned, so stay tuned!

And don’t forget to take transit on Star Wars Day.

As Yoda says, “Do or do not. There is no try.”

Here is a look back at some of the previous years’ Star Wars-inspired tweets:

You don’t have to be a former Jedi Master to ‘Tap your card, not your wallet’! #MayTheFourthBeWithYou https://t.co/xQW2B4tGpe ^jd pic.twitter.com/agBcqRH3W3

— TransLink BC (@TransLink) May 5, 2018

"That’s no moon… it’s a space station!!"

Well, good night Falcon, sleep tight, don’t let the space slug bite! ;) Have a safe commute home whether it's via Millennium Line or Falcon.. & we’ll see you again at 6:30am :) #MayTheFourthBeWithYou ^LA pic.twitter.com/c8IlZd5IvZ

— TransLink BC (@TransLink) May 5, 2018

The Customer Information base is now open, we're ready to take your calls & tweets. Currently road conditions look great in Metro Vancouver; however, Hoth is still experiencing icy conditions. #MayTheFourthBeWithYou ^LA pic.twitter.com/a4VKzJQUy9

— TransLink BC (@TransLink) May 4, 2019

In memory of Peter Mayhew, we’re looking back to that one time when Chewbacca joined Transit Police. Policing wasn’t the right career for him, but maybe it is for you? We’re hiring police officers. https://t.co/q83B6ySAaA #MayThe4thBeWithYou pic.twitter.com/uWiiWWMuAF

— Metro Vancouver Transit Police (@TransitPolice) May 4, 2019

2020’s content had a COVID-themed focus on health and working from home.

Duuh Duuh, da-da-da DAH! Duuh, da-da-da DAH! Duuh dun-dun-dun-duuuuh… was that 20 seconds? No? Duuh Duuh, da-da-da DAH!….. :) Don’t forget to #WashYourHans ! Happy #StarWarsDay and #MayTheFourthBeWithYou ^LA pic.twitter.com/eI6tXzpauj

— TransLink BC (@TransLink) May 4, 2020

The trend continued in 2021.

They might not be able to do the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs but our RapidBus RX-Wing Starfighters can rapidly & safely transport you throughout the galaxy, all the way from Hoth to Haven. #StarWarsDay #MayTheFourthBeWithYou @StarWars ^LA pic.twitter.com/5kRVX1tYoU

— TransLink BC (@TransLink) May 4, 2021