Connect Transit to add electronic advertising signs

NORMAL — The Pantagraph reports that five Connect Transit buses will have electronic signs showing advertising and emergency messages under a contract between the Bloomington-Normal transit system and UberDisplays, a Tennessee company that's not affiliated with ride-hailing service Uber.

Connect Transit and UberDisplays will split revenue 50/50 over the five-year deal. Officials hope it will bring in $150,000 per year for the system, but that assumes more buses get signs, which is possible only if Connect Transit and UberDisplays get enough local and national advertising business.

UberDisplays will be responsible for buying, installing and maintaining not only the electronic signs but also wireless internet infrastructure on each bus. Connect Transit riders on those buses will also get free Wi-Fi access. For the full story, click here.