Beaumont council approves Zip transit advertising program to fund bus‑stop improvements

Beaumont City Council approved a transit advertising policy and implementing resolution to allow local businesses and organizations to place interior placards and vehicle wraps on Zip buses and paratransit vans, dedicating revenue to bus‑stop improvements and as a local match for future transit grants.

Staff described the program during a work session: the city operates 16 buses and 10 paratransit vans and anticipates 8–10 interior placards per bus and up to three per van; advertisers pay design, installation and removal costs and may contract local vendors for production and installation. Multi‑month discounts were proposed (10% at six months, 20% at one year, 25% for multi‑year agreements). Transit General Manager Claudia San Miguel told council she already fields inquiries and expects demand.

The policy includes a review and appeals process: transit management will approve advertising and may prohibit materials that are false, deceptive, obscene, promote tobacco/alcohol/vaping, advocate violence or imminent lawlessness, are defamatory, or are political in nature. Staff explained appeals would move from the general manager to the city attorney for final review. Council members asked how complaints would be handled and whether communications/CVB would assist in marketing the program; staff said the city has a dedicated transit website and communications support.

A public hearing on the program produced no speakers. Council approved a resolution to implement the policy by voice vote.

Next steps: staff will finalize administrative procedures, post the program on the transit website, and begin outreach to advertisers. Contracts will specify installation standards to protect vehicle integrity, and revenue will be tracked for reinvestment in transit infrastructure.