COMPREHENSIVE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR BUS ADVERTISING SERVICES

Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT) is seeking proposals from experienced advertising service providers to manage and grow its interior and exterior transit advertising program. The selected contractor will be responsible for all aspects of the program, including marketing and selling advertising space, managing client relationships, printing and installing ad materials, maintaining ad quality, handling finances, and delivering detailed monthly reporting.

This program will include advertising opportunities on the interior and exterior of eligible CAT buses and on designated CAT bus shelters throughout the Charlottesville area. CAT is committed to maintaining a high standard of quality and professionalism in all ad placements while generating consistent, reliable revenue from advertising sales. The selected vendor will be expected to cover all operating costs and provide a minimum of 65 percent of gross advertising revenue to CAT.

Charlottesville Area Transit serves the City of Charlottesville and parts of Albemarle County with a fare-free fixed-route system and complementary services. Like many public transit agencies, CAT is seeking creative ways to diversify its revenue streams while continuing to deliver high-quality service to the community.

CAT previously offered interior and exterior advertising but paused the program during restructuring. With new leadership and a growing fleet including 35-foot and 29-foot buses, trolleys, and future expansions, CAT is ready to relaunch a robust advertising program. The right vendor will not only bring in new revenue but also handle all aspects of advertising operations with minimal oversight from city staff. A true home run would be a vendor who can exceed 60 percent ad coverage within the first year, manage financial risk, and act as a long-term partner in building a strong, community-minded advertising program.