Cincinnati Bell buys streetcar naming rights

Photo: Cincinnati streetcar website

Cincinnati's streetcar system will be known as the Cincinnati Bell Connector, city officials announced late last week.

Local telephone and Internet provider Cincinnati Bell signed a naming rights agreement that requires the company to pay $340,000 a year for the next 10 years.

The revenue will be used to help fund streetcar operations, Cincinnati city officials said in a press release.

As a result of the agreement, the streetcars' appearance will change, with Cincinnati Bell graphics displayed on the front, back, top and inside the units. In addition, streetcar stations will be rebranded as Cincinnati Bell stations. The system's existing logo and colors will no longer be used.

Advertising Vehicles was tapped to sell the naming rights and advertising on the city's streetcar system.

"This is a major step forward for the financial success of the streetcar project while providing ongoing, outstanding exposure for Cincinnati Bell," said Ken Black, co-founder and director of operations for Advertising Vehicles.

The naming rights contract is in addition to advertising being sold inside and outside the streetcars.

The streetcar line is slated to open Sept. 9. The 3.6-mile route has 18 stops throughout the city's downtown area.

The system is owned and funded by the city, managed by the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority and operated by Transdev.