I just happen to find this this article in an email. It didn’t come with a link. Just the email from Eric Rose. and this article.
I assume that the article was written by Dante Hickles. Since he left a nice note to the editor. Read the article and let me know what you think.
AVTA To Unveil First-Ever Digital Advertising Program On Transit Buses
Lancaster, April 8, 2015 – For the first time in California’s history, digital advertising will be allowed on the side of a public transit bus as part of a pilot program to determine if digital bus advertising is a distraction to drivers. The state legislature granted the Antelope Valley Transit Authority (AVTA) the five-year pilot program to study the impacts on traffic safety. The AVTA will work closely with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to ensure the program is closely monitored in order to provide complete transparency. If the results determine there is no cause for concern, digital advertising signs on public transit buses may one day become legal in the State of California.
The pilot program was made possible through the passage of state legislation authored by then Senator Steve Knight, R-Antelope Valley. Knight has since been elected to congress but will be on hand for an unveiling ceremony at 10:15 a.m. on Friday, April 10, at Lancaster City Park, 43063 North 10th St. West. State Senator Sharon Runner and State Assemblyman Tom Lackey will also be on hand to mark the occasion.
The passage of Senate Bill 1134 allows AVTA to affix up to 20 digital advertising signs on the sides of its buses through January 1, 2020, and requires the agency to provide a full report to the state legislature and the CHP identifying any adverse impacts on drivers caused by the digital signage.
“The Antelope Valley is a prime location to host this important pilot program,” said Congressman Knight. “With a lack of traffic issues, the AV is the perfect community to provide the legislature and CHP with a comprehensive analysis of digital bus advertising and traffic safety.”
Currently, many transportation systems use vinyl adhesive to advertise on transit buses. The printing and installation process is costly as it requires expensive material and skilled labor. Digital advertising signs would eliminate both of these expenses providing future advertisers with a more affordable method to reach their customers. AVTA’s pilot program also encourages the transit advertising industry to keep up with advanced technology.
“The board and staff of the agency are accustomed to being out in front of new programs, and this is just another example of AVTA leading the way,” stated Board Vice Chair Marvin Crist. “We are excited to unveil our new digital advertising sign, and we are pleased that our very first advertiser will be the R. Rex Parris Law Firm. The Antelope Valley is an ideal location for this pilot program and we believe that it will provide benefits to our customers as well as more affordable advertising opportunities for our business community.”
SB 1134 was signed into law by the Governor last July 8 and went into effect on January 1, 2015. The AVTA installed its first sign on a commuter coach which serves residents traveling from the Antelope Valley to West Los Angeles and Century City. The digital sign will be capable of featuring numerous messages through a rolling display that must remain static when the bus is traveling on state freeways.
AVTA serves a population of more than 450,000 residents in the cities of Lancaster and Palmdale as well as the unincorporated portions of northern Los Angeles County. Its total service area covers 1,200 square miles and it is bounded by the Kern County line to the north, the San Bernardino County line to the east, the Angeles National Forest to the south, and Interstate 5 to the West.
Editor’s Note: Photos of the LED screen on the bus are available by emailing Dante Hickles.
