we know
Transit Marketing
communication for the people, to the people
BowStern has over a decade of experience working with transit systems and local government agencies to help promote infrastructure and transport projects. From branding bus systems, to enlisting the public in planning studies, to public safety campaigns, we know how to drive engagement and deliver messaging.
We have worked with authorities across the southeastern U.S. to implement strategic communication efforts, consistently exceeding industry expectations for engagement and reach.
riding the #MysteryBus
StarMetro was the first transit system in Florida to launch all-electric buses. BowStern was hired to develop and launch a campaign which would raise awareness of this high-profile initiative amongst local residents. To keep the launch under wraps while the buses were in plain view (during the four-week “on the road” testing phase) the team developed a teaser campaign to capitalize on the buzz.
“buzz so big, we couldn't hide it”
We asked residents to engage with StarMetro via social media using the hashtag #MysteryBus whenever they spotted one of these under-cover vehicles on the roadway. In addition to the exterior bus graphics, the teaser campaign was deployed through a series of high-visibility tactics, including a utility bill insert, eblasts, posters for local businesses and social media. A dedicated website engaged residents in a community-wide contest while building up excitement surrounding the mysterious launch. The final result was not only eye-catching awareness for the electric fleet but an increase in system-wide ridership.
we work with industry leaders
a vision for public safety
Vision Zero is an international movement to reduce traffic deaths and injuries. BowStern was hired to help the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization create and deploy their local Vision Zero campaign.
Services included branding, webpage development, and public awareness campaign materials.
beyond public engagement
When the transit planning team in Charlotte, NC wanted to conduct a study to help improve congestion along a 70-mile stretch of the I-77 corridor, BowStern took the driver’s seat on public engagement. We began by developing a brand ‘Beyond 77’ that got residents thinking about solutions outside the main interstate itself. The marketing effort combined digital and traditional media to get people participating. Today, over 20,000 residents have weighed into the project by taking a series of surveys. This continues to shatter public engagement records nationally – and is being touted as the new gold standard.