Montreal’s public transportation authority has announced that the popular slogan “Go Habs Go!” will be reinstated on select city buses starting next month. This decision comes after the provincial language watchdog approved the use of the English phrase, which had been previously removed from electronic bus screens following pressure from the watchdog to promote French language usage in Quebec, particularly in support of the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens and other sports teams.
The Office québécois de la langue française reversed its stance following public outcry and a statement from the province’s French-language minister recognizing the significance of “Go Habs Go” as part of Quebec’s cultural heritage. The Société de transport de Montréal explained that the delay in reinstating the slogan was due to the need for individual updates on each bus during maintenance periods.
The transit agency anticipates that the word “go” will reappear on some buses by March, while others will continue to feature the French equivalent, “allez.” The choice between French and English slogans has been a collaborative effort with each sports team, with a commitment to also include messages supporting women’s sports teams in the displays.