Bus shelter ads would offset operating costs

A change to Carson City's sign ordinance would allow the Jump Around Carson transit service to generate more revenue by allowing advertising on city passenger bus shelters.

The Board of Supervisors approved the amendment on first reading Thursday, saying the money would help offset the public transit service operating subsidy now provided from the city's general fund.

"Any revenue we can generate would be extremely useful," said Transportation Manager Patrick Pittenger.

Supervisor Shelly Aldean, also chairwoman of the Regional Transportation Commission, said about $300,000 a year comes from the general fund to help operate the JAC transit service.

Pittenger said the bus service has contracted with the Nevada Appeal to sell advertising on buses, and it has been "extremely successful."

Some of the limitations of the transit shelter advertising include:

• Only in commercial areas which are at least 100 feet from residential areas.

• Prohibited in historical districts.

• No internal lighting.

• No reader board, animated or flashing signs.

• Only 24 square feet per shelter, on one side only.

No building permits are required because the shelters already are situated in public rights of way, said Planning Division Director Lee Plemel.

There are about 12 existing shelters, and seven more are proposed.

In other action Thursday, supervisors:

• Heard a presentation of the Carson City Quarterly Business Review scorecard for the period ending Sept. 30.

• Heard a status report of Public Works projects.

• Presented a proclamation for National Parental Involvement Day to Carson City School Board Trustee Lynnette Conrad.