RTD Advert Watch
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Please fill in our quick (less than 30 seconds) survey to support our campaign for RTD to adopt a policy that prohibits advertising wrap from covering bus or train windows.
Stop RTD Covering Bus and Train Windows With Advertising Wrap
One of the best features of Regional Transportation District (RTD) buses & trains is their large windows which allow you to admire the beautiful state of Colorado as you sit back & enjoy the ride. In addition, being able to see out of the vehicle is a big aid in helping riders identify their stop to get off at.
Unfortunately, some RTD vehicles have advertising wrap which prevents this as it covers the vehicle side from top to bottom. This cheapens the experience for riders & is not in line with a quality transit experience or a “welcoming transit environment”, which RTD claims it aims to provide. Advertising wrap over windows can also pose a safety issue as it reduces the rider’s overall view of their surroundings.
While we understand that exterior vehicle advertising brings in much needed revenue, we call on RTD to adopt a policy that prohibits advertising wrap from covering bus or train windows. Instead, all advertising should convey the intended message above, below or to the side of the windows. There are a number of ‘good’ examples of RTD vehicles carrying advertising wrap where this has been followed; it’s time to bring all future bus & train wrap activations in line with this.
We request that RTD adopts a policy that prohibits advertising wrap from covering bus or train windows.
As featured on #RTDAdvertWatch.
Frequently Stated Points
RTD will lose revenue from banning window advertising!
Total “advertising and other” revenue (that includes buses, trains, display screens, billboards etc.) for 2022 was just $2.7m compared to the $75m RTD’s riders contributed that year (see RTD Funding page). A top end estimate of the revenue lost (assuming some companies cannot accept advertising that doesn’t cover the windows and take their business elsewhere) is $500k.
If we ban window advertising, the fares will go up!
This is not true. As a result of the 2022 Fare Study, RTD is actually reducing its fares starting Jan 1st, 2024. The fare study cost $2m to carry out and will cost $10m+ a year to implement due to lower revenue from cheaper fares. A top end estimate of the revenue lost (assuming some companies cannot accept advertising that doesn’t cover the windows and take their business elsewhere) is $500k.
The adverts on the windows block out the sunlight, which helps me read / keep cool / avoid migraines!
While window wraps can in some cases help, this issue is better resolved with a dedicated solution based on rider needs. Not wrapping windows leaves the option to apply a UV filter film to the windows that both blocks out the direct sunlight and gives riders an acceptable view out.
We need your help!
Please fill in our quick (less than 30 seconds) survey to support our campaign for RTD to adopt a policy that prohibits advertising wrap from covering bus or train windows.
Sample Email – Just copy and paste to send…
Click here to email RTD about this.
To: RTD.BoardOffice@rtd-denver.com
Cc: greaterdenvertransit@gmail.com
Subject: Advertising Wraps on RTD Buses and Trains
Dear RTD Directors and Staff,
I am writing to express my support for the RTD Board to adopt a policy that prohibits advertising wrap from covering bus or train windows.
One of the best features of RTD buses & trains is their large windows which allow you to admire the beautiful state of Colorado as you sit back & enjoy the ride. In addition, being able to see out of the vehicle is a big aid in helping riders identify their stop to get off at.
Unfortunately, some RTD vehicles have advertising wrap which prevents this as it covers the vehicle side from top to bottom. This cheapens the experience for riders & is not in line with a quality transit experience or a “welcoming transit environment”, which RTD claims it aims to provide. Advertising wrap over windows can also pose a safety and security issue as it reduces the rider’s overall view of their surroundings.
Therefore, I request that the RTD Board adopts a policy that prohibits advertising wrap from covering bus or train windows.
Yours sincerely,
<Name>
Sample Letter – Just print and fill in to send…
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Please fill in our quick (less than 30 seconds) survey to support our campaign for RTD to adopt a policy that prohibits advertising wrap from covering bus or train windows.