JAC buses to feature ads for local businesses

Jump Around Carson buses will begin featuring advertising for local businesses as part of a partnership with the Nevada Appeal.

Carson City's five buses, which run on four routes, started carrying some of the ads last month with more on the way. Local businesses including Slot World, Campagni Automotive Group, Massage Envy, The Peppermill Resort and Casino and Granite Construction are among the first businesses to purchase the advertising space, which can be found both inside and on the outside of the buses.

Markey Daniels, advertising director for the Nevada Appeal said the program is ideal for local businesses interested in reaching the Carson City market.

"Because these buses drive around Carson City all day, advertisers are reaching a very targeted market from a geographic perspective," she said. "Combine that with the affordability of the program and you've got a really smart advertising investment."

The program is not only good for local businesses, it's a good deal for the city according to Ken Smithson, the city's transit coordinator. The revenue generated from those advertisements will be shared between the Nevada Appeal and JAC, said Smithson.

"We can put (the money) back into our transit fund and use it to support the transit systems, that's the whole intent," Smithson said. "What it does is reduce the local contribution the city has."

Niki Gladys, the Nevada Appeal's publisher, said the program is beneficial to all involved including the city and the Nevada Appeal.

"We're happy to be participating in a program that supports our city while helping our customers," she said.

Smithson said the bus system provides about 12,000 rides per month throughout Carson City. Because seniors ride the bus for free, there is a heavy senior population using Carson City's transit system along with many others. However, the advertising will be showcased to a wide variety of Carson City residents as they drive past shopping centers, WNC college and even the hospital.

"Obviously anytime you can reduce the burden on the local government that's a good thing," Smithson said.