SEPTA Removes Malt Ads On Two Buses

August 1, 2007

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Responding to community concerns, SEPTA and one of its advertisers have jointly agreed to remove advertising on two buses, effective tomorrow, August 2, 2007.

Advertisements for Colt 45 Malt Liquor, called “full wraps” that cover the entire body of the buses, will be discontinued. This specific form of advertising raised questions in neighborhoods where the buses travel, especially questions about the impact of the advertising on young people.

SEPTA has been strongly encouraged in recent years to fully exploit its advertising capability to creative alternative revenue sources beyond the farebox and government subsidies. Within the last two years alcohol advertising has generated over $1 million in revenue, and almost $600,000 in the first half of the current calendar year.

SEPTA will redouble its efforts to be sensitive to community concerns, particularly those impacting our youth, when reviewing future alcohol-related advertising displays.