Class 1 – RTS
Target Audience: City of Gainesville Residents
Project Cost: $5,251
Description: RTS purchased a new hybrid Ford Escape SUV for use as an operator relief vehicle.  To raise awareness about RTS’ dedication to the environment, a dynamic and eye-catching vehicle wrap was designed.  As it travels around town, residents immediately recognize the RTS brand, but also see how they are helping to “Green the Gator Nation”.  This tagline also ties into the University of Florida’s “Gator Nation” brand which is immediately recognized by residents in the area.  In addition, the back panel was used to promote RTS’ advertising opportunities, which has helped contribute to a new ad sales revenue record of $235,000.

Class 2 – PSTA
Target Audience: Residents, tourists and local stakeholders
Project Cost: $7,550
Description:  This new trolley route was introduced to provide service to the communities involved to spur development.  During the kickoff event, attendees boarded one of two trolleys, and visited restaurants or pubs along the route.  Press releases heralded the route, promotional announcements were placed in county utility bills, the service was mentioned several times on PSTA’s social media accounts, and five full back bus ads were installed on equipment operating in the area.

Original ridership projections called for 15,000 passengers to board in the first year (from mid-November to mid-November).  Based on positive community response, this projection was quickly revised to 30,000.