A local nonprofit dedicated to enhancing Chatham County’s visual environment honored Chatham Area Transit on Tuesday with a certificate of appreciation.
Scenic Chatham representatives Ardis Wood and Nick Palumbo presented the certificate to the CAT board in recognition of their decision to ban all commercial ads on buses, shelters and facilities.
“It makes a difference,” Wood said. “All the little things and not-so-little things add up.”
Last year the board approved the prohibition of commercial ads, with the goal of establishing a more recognizable and cohesive CAT brand.
Chairman Michael O’Halloran said he appreciated the recognition, while crediting former CAT Chairman Howard French, whose term expired in June, as a lead advocate for the change.
“I think we’re all happy we’ve made the decision to maintain the attractive appearance of our buses and to promote CAT instead of other commercial entities around the county,” O’Halloran said.
CAT still permits nonprofit organizations to place interior bus advertisements as long as they meet certain requirements.
Scenic Chatham is one of more than 50 affiliates of Scenic America, a national nonprofit that strives to preserve the scenic qualities of the country’s roads, countryside and communities.
For more information about CAT’s advertising policies, visit www.catchacat.org.
