Jessica Bell MPP, University–Rosedale

Government of Ontario

MPP Jessica Bell Asks Metrolinx, Mulroney to come clean on cost of Instagram ‘influencer’ ads

Published on November 26, 2019

University—Rosedale MPP Jessica Bell has written an open letter to Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney and Metrolinx President and CEO Phil Verster, publicly requesting that they release the cost of paying Instagram influencers to promote unbuilt transit projects.

Metrolinx has refused to disclose how much money the agency is giving to popular Instagram users to promote future transit projects that have not been finalized, including the Ontario Line. The social media campaign comes shortly after Metrolinx has cut service on GO Bus routes and hiked up fares for commuters.

“Ontarians deserve fast, reliable, and affordable new transit,” said MPP Bell. “What they don’t need is a flashy marketing campaign for a subway that won’t exist for years.” 

See full letter here