BALTIMORE, MD (November 3, 2010) - The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has been named a Grand Award winner by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) for its MTA Civility Campaign. The national APTA AdWheel Award recognizes public transportation systems for excellence in advertising, communications, marketing and promotion.
The MTA Civility Campaign was created to promote good behavior when using public transit.
"Civility is more than just please and thank you," says MTA Administrator Ralign T. Wells. "Civility also means displaying good behavior and actions that make our communities safer, cleaner and better."
"The MTA did not want to take a heavy-handed approach," according to Jawauna Greene, MTA Director of Communications and Marketing. "So, we designed a campaign that makes people smile as they examine their own behavior on public transit."
The campaign includes print material and commercials, including one commercial titled ?Clam Up? in which a cell phone fights back against its noisy owner. This commercial was created to help cell phone users avoid private or confidential conversations that may embarrass or intrude on others using public transit. Clam Up is one of four civility campaign videos that can be seen at www.mta.maryland,gov.
"Receiving a coveted AdWheel Award is a prestigious accomplishment and should be celebrated as a mark of originality, creativity, and excellence in public transportation marketing and communications," according to APTA President William Millar.
Nearly 650 entries were submitted this year. First place honors were awarded in categories of print, electronic, campaign, special event and social media. Grand Award winners were chosen from those first place winners in each group.
The MTA is one of the largest multi-modal transit systems in the United States, operating Local Bus, Commuter Bus, Light Rail, Metro Subway and MARC Train and Mobility services in the Baltimore metropolitan area, and supporting accessible transit systems throughout Maryland.
Approximately 360,000 passengers use MTA services every weekday, including 30,000 Baltimore City students. The Civility Campaign reminds everyone that that our public behavior reflects the respect we have for ourselves, other people and the things around us. If we treat others and our surroundings well, then we all feel better as we enjoy the ride.
For more information on MTA service, visit the MTA website at www.mta.maryland.gov. Customers can also call the MTA Transit Information Center Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. at 410-539-5000. TTY 410-539-3497. To sign-up for e-mail about service modifications and delays, go to www.mta.maryland.gov and click e-mail notification.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Terry Owens
Office: 410-767-3936
Cellular: 443-804-8522
David Clark
Office: 410-767-3935
Cellular: 443-418-5732 |
