Virginia Transit Association APTA’s Advocacy and Outreach Campaign to Increase Funding for Public Transportation June 9,

The Road to More Public Transit APTA is conducting an integrated campaign to promote the benefits of public transportation Increase federal funding for public transit under the next Authorization bill and the Climate Change bill Provide APTA members with tools to support funding efforts at federal, state and local level 2

Four Point Plan 1.Conduct message research 2.Position public transit with congressional targets and those who influence them 3.Provide tools for APTA members to build support locally 4.Integrate all tactics seamlessly 3

Campaign Strategy Build broad-based support through three key pillars 4 Congressional Outreach Coalitions & Grassroots Media / Advertising

Research Underpins Our Strategy There is strong support for funding public transportation – Super majority supports use of tax dollars to improve and expand it – Majority supports Congress increasing its level of spending Congressional candidates that support public transportation are favored by voters 5

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“Public Transportation Takes Us There” A single, unified platform for all communications Message is positive, forward-looking and evokes movement “There” means something different to each audience: the economy, energy independence, the environment or improved quality of life Easily customized to circumstances or legislation (e.g. Energy, Climate Change, Authorization) 7

Public transportation plays a significant role in finding a solution to the numerous challenges facing America today. Investing in public transportation not only creates jobs and stimulates economic growth, it reduces our dependence on foreign energy, protects the environment and improves our quality of life. Whatever the priority, whatever the issue, public transportation takes us there. 8 “Takes Us There” Message Works 72% 83%

Campaign Approach Ground Game (GR/Comm.) Air Cover DC & Targeted Local Advertising Local Media Outreach Constituents/Public Third Party Influencers DC Events, Marketing, Media Outreach Government Relations, Direct Member/Staff Contact 9 PR

10 Online Legislative Info Center A campaign linked through PublicTransportation.org PublicTransportation.org Includes the most recent and up to date information about public transportation –APTA Policy Reports –Issue fact sheets –Authorization brochure –Transportation news

Outreach 11

Ongoing PR Activities Direct media outreach to reporters, columnists and influential bloggers Monitor press for rapid response opportunities (letters to the editor, op-eds) Distribute and pitch regular press releases around Ridership Report, Dump the Pump Day 2009, Green Travel Forecast, Transit Savings Report and legislative developments Conduct events targeting members of Congress (CQ Forum, EESI) Outreach to Editorial board Conduct reporter desk side briefings Distribute general ready to print press articles (NAPS) 12

Social Media – Facebook page 13

Materials Available for Members Core logo Op-eds that can be customized Fact sheets and brochures Advertisements Transit Savings Report that can be localized Dump the Pump campaign Go Green. Go Public. PSA campaign 14

National Dump the Pump Day 15

Dump the Pump A day is set aside to encourage people to ride public transportation to save money, protect the environment, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. 16

Dump the Pump Resources Core Logo Suggested Activities Press Releases Proclamations Fact Sheets Artwork for Buttons/Signage Animated Banner Ads Interactive Dump the Pump video contest 17

“Takes Us There” Advertising Primarily DC-based to reach Congress and other influencers/policymakers, includes: – Print – Radio – Online – Transit Localized versions available for use 18

Economic Message 19

Economic – Local Ad 20

21 Energy Message

Energy – Local Ads 22

Environmental Message 23

Environmental – Local Ad 24

Quality of Life Message 25

Quality of Life – Local Ads 26

Go Green. Go Public. PSA 27 Download PSA creative or

Go Green. Go Public. TV 28

Go Green. Go Public. Radio 29

Go Green. Go Public. Print 30

Summary Public Transportation Takes Us There – Dump the Pump – June 18th – Interactive Dump the Pump video contest Transit Savings Report Localized Transit Advertisements Go Green. Go Public. PSA –