What Does It Cost To Advertise Inside The Roosevelt Island Red Bus? RIOC Has A New Pricing Policy

Image From RIOC

Roosevelt Island businesses and non - profit organizations expressed unhappiness recently with RIOC's pricing policy for advertisements placed inside the Red Bus. RIOC has responded to these concerns.


I sent the following message to RIOC Vice President of Operations Fernando Martinez:

I understand there have been some changes in RIOC policy regarding Island organizations and non profits advertising on the Red Bus.

Can you please describe what is the new Red Bus advertising policy.

RIOC Community Relations Specialist Erica Wilder replied:

We recently modified the current policy for non profits and island organizations to advertise on the Red Bus. The original fee of $100 has been waived and groups are now allowed to advertise for free.

However, groups are required to adhere to the following guidelines when submitting ads:

1) There will be a limit of 7 ads, per ad period, per group which will be dated once received. One ad will be posted on each of the seven Red Buses for an advertising period of up to 2 months. Ads which are promoting an event that expire before the 2 month ad period will be removed the day after the event takes place.

2) All ads are required to be size 11" x 46" and laminated.

3) Completed ads should be submitted to the RIOC office, 591 Main Street, Attn: Erica Wilder. Once the advertisements are received and approved, ads will be posted the next business day.

As for all other businesses, the price to advertise for the two month period will be $160.

UPDATE 9/4 -In response to a reader's comment I followed up with a question to Ms. Wilder:

Thanks for the information on the bus sign advertising.

Can you please advise why the signage size must be 11 X 46?

A reader commented on this post that it is very difficult to get signage of this size made up and some Island organizations would prefer the option to have 11 X 17 signs as was previously the case.

Is that possible? If not, why?

Thanks again.

Ms. Wilder replied:

As you know, bus advertising is a great way for any organization or business to promote their product or event. The 11" x 17" ads were difficult to read when seated especially when the Red Bus is crowded. Most passengers were unable to see the small print on the ads which most likely resulted in ads being overlooked. The 11" x 46" ad size (plus or minus an inch or so) is the standard size used by the MTA and most transit systems around the country. The size gives advertisers the opportunity to spread their message over a larger surface area with larger text and pictures without having to crowd information on a small page. As with the MTA, advertisers are allowed to combine ads to make up the required size that we request. This will offset the costs of printing an 11" x 46" ad at any local copy center.

I hope this answers your question.

UPDATE 9/7 - Image of 11 X 46 Red Bus sign.