The frenzy of larger-than-life advertising that many associate with the streets of big cities could soon appear in Chapel Hill and save the town money.
The Chapel Hill Town Council will consider implementing an exterior transit advertising program at its Monday night meeting as part of a search for ways to lessen the burden of transit expenses.
With an annual transportation budget of more than $17 million, Town Transit Director Steve Spade said any funding alleviation the town can bring to the table should be considered.
Spade said he projects a bus advertising program would net the town around $200,000 per year in its initial stages. Once the program matures, he said the profit could reach upwards of $450,000.
The council considered and rejected transit advertisement initiatives in 2001 and 2005, but Spade said the transportation system was not as tight on funding then as it is now.
“With the cost of fuel rising like it is and with the decrease in public subsidies, it’s more important for us to take a serious look at this,” he said. “Every dollar we take in in ad revenue is one less tax dollar we have to spend.”
Spade said it costs between $4,000 and $6,000 to wrap each bus, and he recommends that the council cap the number of buses with exterior ads at 15.
If the council approves the advertising program, Spade said the wrapping process will take place one bus at a time as the town sells advertisements.
Council member Matt Czajkowski said he envisions the program drawing in advertisers on a national level, especially because of the town’s connection to the University and its sporting events.
