PSTA'S Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Artist Bus Wrap Contest

Target Audience: The target audiences were local artists, the black community, our everyday riders, local elected leaders as well as our county residents.

Strategy Objective:We hoped that by bringing this art to life on a moving billboard, people will be able to honor the impact that the African-American community has had on the progress of equality in the public transportation industry. PSTA is not just a bus company—we are a leader in our community and to celebrate Juneteenth, we wanted to celebrate local artists. Sure, we could have easily designed our own bus wrap, but to have a local artist be inspired by our DEI mission statement and create an opportunity for their work to be on a moving display we are showing our community that Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is important to PSTA, and that we sincerely support this community.

Situation Challenge: Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) hosted a month-long "Diversity Drives US" contest calling local artists to design a bus wrap inspired by PSTA's Diversity Equity and Inclusion mission statement. encapsulates diversity. The winner had their design wrapped around an active PSTA bus, which made its debut as part of PSTA's celebration of Juneteenth at a local community event.

Results Impact: We are living during a time when you must voice your support for diverse communities, or your silence will do it for you. Diversity, equity and inclusion has always been important at PSTA but, like many other companies and brands, we are working hard to further our education and training to be better than the day before. The impact this contest had was felt by seeing it through the eyes of our employees, regular riders, local artists and community members who let us know they felt seen, respected and celebrated. We even had applicants for jobs mentioning this campaign in their interviews as a reason why they wanted to work for PSTA – for a place that emphasizes the importance of DEI.

Why Submit: Art and transit have long been connected. Not only did we provide an opportunity to a local artist to display their work, but we were also able to showcase the importance that we place on diversity, equity and inclusion. We have shown our community that we can celebrate those who should be celebrated every day. At PSTA our DEI mission statement is: At PSTA, we intentionally make inclusion a priority. Diversity is what drives us. No matter who you are, where you are from, how you think, or whom you love. We connect all people to places, to opportunities, and to chances. We will always strive to be better. We pledge this to everyone.