No advertising wraps on the LRT, but more on some GRT buses

There will be no advertising wraps on the Ion LRT but up to 42 Grand River Transit buses will have full or partial advertising wraps to bring in an additional $500,000 in revenue next year.

The original motion that was brought to regional councillors in October asked them to allow increased advertising on buses and on LRT vehicles to bring that same additional revenue in 2024.

But councillors voted to have the matter be part of 2024 budget consultations with the community.

GRT had several feedback sessions and an online survey throughout November to hear from the community, which  gathered more than 2,600 responses.

Results from the feedback showed "pretty polarized responses," Mathieu Goetzke told councillors during a meeting on Dec. 13.

"But over all, there was an interest from the general public to generate non-fare revenue and a very strong disapproval for advertising on the ION," he said.

The feedback showed 27 per cent of respondents were opposed to the new advertising proposal, while 47 per cent were in favour. Negative feedback focused the LRT wraps, according to the results.

Positive feedback focused on helping improve service frequency and coverage, as well as maintaining or reducing the  fares through advertising.

15 buses fully wrapped, 27 partially

To bring that additional $500,000 in revenue without wrapping the LRT, 15 buses will be fully wrapped and 27 buses will be partially wrapped, leaving the lower half of the windows on those buses unwrapped.

Coun. Chantal Huinink said she appreciated staff revising their recommendation "particularly around wrapping only half the windows to increase visibility for those with challenges seeing out the windows."

"And I appreciate the acknowledgement that advertising on the ION is not something we want to do at this time; however, if we want to protect the ION and GRT brand, we need to remember that buses are part of that service."

Coun. Colleen James said this new proposal is a "good compromise."

"If we're spending money, without a doubt at some point we have to look at ways to generate money in revenue and it's something that can't be ignored and it won't please everybody," she said.