By switching to propane powered Dial-a-Ride buses in Spring 2017, Laketran will reduce operating expenses and vehicle replacement costs, while providing a more fuel efficient and eco-friendly public transportation for Lake County. To promote the transition to propane fuel, Laketran has decided to update the graphic on the buses.
“While the body style of vehicle may not look too different, we wanted to make the vehicles stand out by updating the vehicle graphics,” shared Julia Schick, Laketran’s director of communications and marketing. “A change in the bus graphics provides an opportunity to showcase Laketran’s new alternative fuel source and modernize our image in the community, but maintain the brand identity we’ve established over 40 years. It also promotes Laketran is doing our fair share to improve air quality in Lake County.”
The image change comes at a time when not only are the vehicles are changing, but so are many customer service benefits to the Dial-a-Ride service. Recently Laketran has added an online reservation program called Request-a-Ride that allows customers to book or cancel trips online, automatic Confirmation and Reminder calls to remind customers of reservations and alert them when the bus is on its way, and aims to launch online pre-payment options in 2017.
The new graphic image, designed by Willoughby-based Blackbird Interactive, features a wave design that includes Laketran’s branded blue colors and red stripe, that also serves as reflective striping on the vehicles for safety.
“Through the feedback process some viewed the graphic as a wave that represents Lake County while others see a winding road that illustrates mobility Laketran provides the community. Either way, the designs draws you to the tip where we promote “Eco-friendly. Powered by Propane.” explained Schick.
Laketran has selected two different body types for the new propane buses that offer different seating to accommodate various demands in service. Six ten-passenger buses and two eight-passenger vehicles are due in Spring 2017.
