PHIL TONKS takes a look at bus advertising, its benefits and drawbacks, and what the function of a bus fleet’s appearance should be
Madonna’s 1990 hit single ‘Vogue’ begins with the words “what are you looking at?” It was all about ‘striking a pose’ and getting noticed. Ditto the world of business and selling something Marketing and selling your product in a never-ending world of competitors is all important – and studied religiously. Yet what do you see when you look at a bus?
In recent years, some in the bus fraternity have compared the industry to the retail world. Tesco and McDonalds amongst countless others get every little detail spot on, so that you’ll return again and again. Buses?
Maybe we shouldn’t directly compare retail and buses. Shopping outlets have 100% control over their ‘offer.’ Buses, despite huge advances in comfort for the user, are ultimately reliant on what’s happening on the road network they provide their services on. A top-of-therange vehicle with bells, whistles and USB phone charging is not attractive if it’s not where it should be because of traffic congestion.
But that’s only part of it. It’s not only the existing users the bus industry has to retain, but creating new ones…
