As part of Huron Shores Area Transit’s (HSAT) ongoing development and goal of long-term sustainability, it has introduced an Advertising Program to generate supplementary revenue. This initiative will help the transit agency transition to Ontario’s Gas Tax Fund in 2025, ensuring the continued provision of public transit in the region.
The Advertising Program’s first phase offers Headliner Ad Card advertising opportunities. This type of advertising displays above the bus windows, ensuring maximum visibility for all passengers. Future expansion of the program will include transit shelter, bench, and bike rack advertising options. This means even more opportunities for local businesses and organizations to showcase their products and services to local residents and area visitors while supporting public transit.
Headliner Ad Card advertising is considered one of the most cost-effective marketing methods because passengers on public transit can be a captive audience for an extended period, potentially up to an hour and 50 minutes, providing businesses with ample exposure time.
The number of headliner ad spots is limited to 18, nine on each of HSAT’s two buses and Transit Coordinator Susan Mills reports three of those 18 spots are already sold for late summer and early fall. Mills states, “Any business curious about trying this advertising method should not wait but call and book their spot.” Pricing is reasonable, with winter months priced at $12.50 per week, spring and fall priced at $18.75 per week, and peak summer months priced at $25 per week.
HSAT’s Advertising Program is part of the agency’s strategy to achieve financial sustainability while providing a valuable platform for businesses to reach a captive audience. Under the Ontario Gas Tax Funding formula, the more revenue HSAT generates through advertising, fares, and donations, the less financial contribution is needed by local municipalities. The current municipal contribution is estimated at $3.52 per person per year (for comparison, Crossing Guards cost $3.21 per capita, and Harbours cost $11.75 per capita). That amount can be lowered by increasing HSAT’s net revenue. The Advertising Program is a win-win solution that benefits the transit agency, businesses looking to promote their products or services, municipal budgets, and local residents.
For more information about the Advertising Program, visit HuronShoresAreaTransit.ca/advertise.
