Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does contracting with Alpha Media bring revenue to my school district?
A: Alpha Media specializes in partnering with school districts to sell ad space on their fleet of buses, as well as any other advertising the district would like us to sell (i.e. sports field naming rights, scoreboards, etc.). Alpha Media returns a percentage of gross monthly revenue to the participating school district.
Q: What responsibility does the school district incur? Does it cost the school district anything to be a part of this program?
A: No, school bus advertising requires no effort, risk, or cost to your district. Alpha Media’s responsibilities include obtaining local and national advertisers, creation, production, installation and removal of the ads. We invoice advertisers and send your district a check. This process takes advantage of a capital investment you have already made. While the buses are transporting students, they are earning money for your district.
Q: Do school bus ads cause safety issues?
A: School bus ads do not compromise the safety of the bus nor prevent it or its safety devices from being seen and recognized. For several years, ads have been placed on school buses in several states. There is no evidence indicating that these ads have contributed to a situation that has jeopardized the safety of the passengers onboard. There have been no reported accidents as a result of an advertisement on the side of a bus. Alpha Media never forgets the passengers on these buses. We hold their safety as a paramount concern.
Q: How have local communities responded?
A: Community support for this program has been very high as evident from local businesses eager to advertise on the buses. Both parents and the community-at-large have been very supportive of the program as it helps to generate funding for local schools. We have not faced any community opposition to school bus advertising.
Q: Do these ads target the students?
A: These ads target the drivers and pedestrians outside of the bus, not the students on board. All of our clients advertise to target those outside of the bus. NPR recently did a study in Colorado that showed that the vast majority of students polled did not even notice the ads on the buses.
Q: Do participating school districts incur any liability?
A: No, our insurance policy covers this entire venture should anything happen. The district will be named as an additional insured with limits set forth by the district.
Q: Who would be the typical client?
A: Any local or national company that wants to promote its business and strengthen its image while helping to fund local public schools will be considered. Ads must be appropriate for a school setting, as well as child and community sensitive.
Q: Are these signs safe?
A: The ads are made of durable adhesive-back vinyl that adheres to the buses similar to a bumper sticker. Our ads are printed on Busmark vinyl that is both weather and fade resistant. The adhesive-backing will not damage the bus surface. To ensure the quality of the ads placed on buses, our installers cut a thin line on the vinyl on both sides of each black bar the ad is placed over. This allows the vinyl to be attached flush to the bus, preventing air and moisture from getting underneath the sign.
We take these additional precautions to help ensure that these signs are 100% safe and provide top quality advertising to our customers. These ads do not come off during routine driving or cleaning. A special process is used to remove the signs that will not harm the bus surface. Alpha Media can provide ad samples upon request.
These ads target potential consumers outside of the bus, not the students onboard. Safety is our top priority. Our insurance policy covers the district should anything happen, and to date – we have never had a claim. Insurance limits are established by the district. Alpha Media will comply with their request. Each district is named as an additional insured on our policy.
Q: Who installs the ads?
A: Alpha Media takes care of the installation and removal of the ads. A local installation crew will also be hired. Our installers are committed to making the installation process seamless for the district. The ads are installed with the utmost care, providing a good presentation for our advertisers and ensuring that ads are safely affixed to the buses. Our staff works within the district’s transportation schedule. The ads will be installed/removed at a time convenient to the district and its employees.
Q: Are there any restrictions on the types of ads that can run?
A: Yes, but that decision is left to the participating school district. We ask that each district determine their criteria for ad placement. Alpha Media works within that criterion. State law prohibits ads for tobacco, alcohol, political advocacy, gambling, anything sexual in nature and religious organizations. Ultimately, each district has the final approval of ads placed on their buses. The creative staff at Alpha Media will ensure that all ads comply with state law regarding size and placement.
Q: Does Alpha Media offer graphic design services to clients?
A: Yes, our graphic design team can provide assistance to any approved advertiser. Alpha Media’s graphic design team has over ten years experience. We work closely with our customers to produce professional, effective ads that generate success for our advertisers.
Q: Why would a business want to advertise on a school bus?
High Value/Low Cost – With a low CPM, school bus advertising offers a better value than almost all other forms of advertising including television, radio, newspaper, and even billboards. The CPM rate is the average cost per thousand impressions.
Unique – These ads will grab attention and stimulate interest. School bus ads build brand recognition and quick recall bringing your message to new customers!
Consistent – These ads travel the same routes and are seen day after day, week after week. Your ads will receive over 35,000 impressions per day, over 700,000 per month.
Mobile – Where better to be than on the road, day after day, where the people are? Your ads are seen at the best time when viewers are ready to respond! These buses travel hundreds of miles in and around town every week. These ads can also travel to areas where billboards and other forms of advertising cannot.
Give Back to Schools – The majority of advertising dollars will be given to the local schools. Advertisers can give back to the local community and receive very unique mobile advertising at the same time.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Rates vary by region. Prices depend on the size of the ad, quantity of ads purchased, and the length of the campaign. Contact Us for rates in your area.