Canada Line Opens: As Seen on Twitter

The Canada Line (a new speedy rail system) opened today in Vancouver and based on the activity on Twitter people around the lower mainland are pretty excited.

When deciding whether or not I would take advantage of the free ride out to the airport I decided to check Twitter first and came across a ton of people talking about it (mostly people waiting in line…). Thanks to @thebuzzer for pointing out there was a 2 hour wait on average which convinced me to stay home and try it during the week as I’m usually not one for long line ups.

Here are a few of the more entertaining Tweets I came across:

• @sanazj Avg human walking speed 6km/hr,#canadaline 19km long, walking from Waterfront to #YVR 3 hrs shorter than waiting in line!
• lyteforce To those who have gotten on the #CanadaLine – is it more comfortable & pleasant than the 98 Sauna Bus to RMD Centre?
• stryderjzw Hmm… I’m sure #canadaline will still be here tmrw. *cross fingers* I’m hoping I don’t miss it by not going today.
• dannydang @sanazj Lil’ wayne is stuck in the line waiting to ride the new #canadaline http://tinyurl.com/5o4r2y
• abusse I get reception even in the tunnels. Cool. #canadaline
• g_campbell Wow. The only word for response to #CanadaLine. What a difference it’ll make. Lines around the block for today’s free rides.

And no doubt the list goes on…follow this link to see more from #canadaline on Twitter.

This is a great example of what happens when you provide something that people want, I mean really want and have been waiting for, you market and promote it well and then give something away for free to generate some buzz: people talk.

The moment I finished that last sentance 47 more of them added comments to Twitter and no doubt when I login to facebook later on there will be pictures etc from people who took one of the 1st free rides today.

So in a nutshell, here’s what’s right about the Canada Line’s opening day:

• Pre-launch marketing and promotion to build desire
• Tapped into the power of free by giving away free rides on day one
• The product is slightly better (we hope) than previous versions and competitors (cabs, busses, old sky train)
• It services an area that people wanted (service to the airport) and does it cheaper

All great things to include in your next product or service launch in order to get people talking…and buying.

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