The Rapid Partners With Mesmerize for Transit Advertising Sales

Mesmerize, a national leader in transit, point-of-care, and place-based out-of-home advertising, announced today the expansion of its transit advertising portfolio with a new partnership with the Grand Rapid metro area's sole public transportation provider, The Rapid.

The agreement provides Mesmerize the exclusive sales of exterior and interior transit advertising on over 150 buses and 67 paratransit vans in the region while also working to develop new opportunities at both Rapid Central Station and other mass transit properties over the next five years.

"Mesmerize is thrilled to be working with The Rapid," said Matt Murray, President of Mesmerize. "The Rapid is one of the most well-run transit authorities in the Midwest and it's an honor to partner with them. Mesmerize's goal is to bring impactful advertising opportunities that build strong brand awareness to local and regional businesses and know The Rapid's transit properties do just that."

The Rapid services six cities and over 185 square miles of the Grand Rapids Metro Area, safely and successfully providing nearly 11 million trips per year, with over 150 buses running 28 dedicated routes. They also operate demand response services for people with disabilities and for those living outside the fixed-route service area.

"We're excited to partner with Mesmerize to creatively and responsibly take our advertising program to the next level," said Lisa Young, Communications Manager at The Rapid. "Buses and vans can act as billboards on wheels, offering our community partners an effective and cost-friendly way to get their message seen throughout our entire service area. And each dollar spent on transit advertising helps The Rapid fulfill our mission of offering safe, reliable transportation in West Michigan."

Mesmerize manages the exclusive transit advertising sales with Battle Creek Transit as well as with transit authorities in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Texas.