RideKC Honored With Transit Marketing Award

In late September, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) announced the winners of its annual AdWheel Awards Ceremony at the APTA Annual Meeting in Nashville, Tenn. RideKC received one of eight Grand Adwheel Awards that recognize public transportation systems and businesses for their outstanding marketing and communications efforts.

APTA recognized the partnership of RideKC and the Kansas City, KS, Public Library in the Educational Campaign Category.

RideKC partnered with the KCK Public Library to shine a light on public transit, libraries and literacy. The pair brought the uplifting, positive message of the award-winning book Last Stop on Market Street back to the streets. The video comes from a single take of a surprise elementary school field trip. The class was told they were going to the library but was surprised with a live action version of Last Stop on Market Street, read by author Matt de la Pena. The video conveys the joy of reading, the importance of community and the beauty inside every child and adult.

RideKC’s Bridget Moss worked with the KCK library to bring the story to life.

“The reaction to the video has been astounding,” said Digital Content Editor Bridget Moss. “We’ve heard from parents whose kids want to see the video every day. The story strikes a deep chord with both adults and children.”

The 11-minute film has been screened at several film festivals and across Facebook and YouTube. The video has had 46,894 views, many by groups in classrooms or libraries, as well as more than 700 shares and numerous positive comments.

See the original full-length video version of Last Stop on Market Street.

See a short video about the project.

 “I am proud to congratulate the 2018 AdWheel Award winners for their exceptional campaigns to advance the public transportation industry,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “Communication and marketing efforts of APTA members help to enhance communities, promote the many benefits of public transit, and improve the lives of the riding and non-riding public.”

More than 300 entries were evaluated by nearly 100 industry experts and awards were presented in two categories: campaigns to increase ridership or sales, and educational campaigns. Honors were awarded in four groups, based on system size. 

The eight Grand Award winners are Waco Transit System, Delaware Transit Corporation, TriMet, MCI, GoTriangle, RideKC/KCATA, LA Metro, and Transit App. 

To see details about all the winners, visit the American Public Transportation Association’s website.