Chicago transit agencies craft ad campaign to attract riders

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace bus system have launched a $5 million marketing campaign to raise public awareness of public transportation and attract new riders.

The "Ride On" promotions highlights the convenience of using public transit services in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties, juxtaposed against the challenges drivers face in the region. The campaign targets potential riders — such as visitors, tourists, older adults and reverse commuters — who could use transit services during non-peak hours.

“We know that nearly 38 percent of households in six-county region use transit regularly. By highlighting what these riders know, that taking transit saves time and money, we want to encourage new riders to try our system,” said RTA Executive Director Leanne Redden in a press release.

Launched in early January and slated to run through summer 2017, the campaign features cable television and online advertisements, and the use of digital billboards throughout the region.