RFP–021–26 bus advertising services

The Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland (RTA) is requesting proposals for exclusive bus advertising services under RFP–021–26, with proposals due July 31, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. EST (extended by Addendum No. 1).

The contract covers exterior advertising on RTA's transit fleet of 66 vehicles operating 13 fixed-route bus lines and paratransit services across Anne Arundel, Howard, and Prince George's Counties and the City of Laurel, plus 7 additional Gillig buses scheduled for delivery by end of 2026; paratransit vehicles labeled "TRANSIT VAN" are excluded. Approved advertising formats include full bus wraps, king-size and queen-size side advertisements, rear advertisements, partial wraps, and window perf graphics, all subject to RTA approval. Prohibited content includes alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, vaping products, sexually explicit material, partisan political content, and religious promotion.

The contractor shall pay RTA a minimum annual guaranteed payment of $100,000 or 60% of gross advertising revenues, whichever is greater, paid monthly within 25 days after each month ends. Historical annual gross advertising revenue under incumbent Vector Media was $290,941.04 (FY23), $303,209.71 (FY24), and $286,077.80 (FY25). The contractor bears all design, production, delivery, installation, replacement, and removal costs, and must replace damaged materials within 48 hours and remove expired materials within five calendar days.

The contract term is three years beginning October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2029, with two one-year renewal options. Evaluation allocates 55 of 100 points to pricing (guaranteed minimum, percentage revenue sharing, projected gross revenue, and projected income to RTA); 20 points to company qualifications; 10 points to staff experience; and 15 points to detailed work plan and quality control. Offerors must demonstrate at least five years of experience in public transit or related advertising services, provide two years of financial statements, submit three references, identify a project manager with at least three years of relevant experience, and describe local sales and installation capabilities. Monthly operational and revenue reports in Excel format are required. Certificates of insurance are due only after Notice of Intent to Award. Electronic proposal submission via email is acceptable. Questions were due July 14, 2026. Contact Ronaldo Joanis, Procurement Specialist, at ronaldo.joanis@transitrta.com or (301) 957-3619.