Bus Shelter Advertising Specifications
Technical specs, design guidelines, and best practices for high-impact bus shelter advertising campaigns across NYC.
Overview
NYC bus shelter advertising provides street-level visibility at over 3,500 locations across the five boroughs. With 24/7 exposure to pedestrians, drivers, and transit riders, bus shelters deliver sustained brand awareness in high-traffic neighborhoods and commercial districts.
Standard Specifications
Standard Bus Shelter
Dimensions: 47" W x 68" H
Format: Vertical
Resolution: 300 DPI minimum
File Type: PDF (preferred), AI, or high-res JPEG
Color Mode: CMYK
Bleed: 0.25" on all sides
Safe Zone: 0.5" from trim on all sides
Premium Backlit Shelters
Dimensions: 47" W x 68" H
Format: Backlit translucent vinyl
Resolution: 150-200 DPI (backlit)
File Type: PDF with embedded fonts
Color Mode: CMYK (colors appear lighter when backlit)
Special Note: Test colors for backlit appearance
Design Requirements
Typography
- • Minimum font size: 24pt for body copy, 48pt+ for headlines
- • Use bold, high-contrast fonts readable from 15-20 feet away
- • Limit text to 7-10 words maximum for quick readability
- • Avoid script or decorative fonts—prioritize legibility
Color & Imagery
- • Use vibrant, high-contrast colors to stand out on busy streets
- • For backlit shelters, test colors—they appear 20-30% lighter when illuminated
- • Large, bold imagery works best (avoid small details)
- • Ensure brand logo is prominent and readable from a distance
Content Guidelines
- • One clear message—pedestrians have 2-3 seconds to read
- • Include simple call-to-action (website, phone, or location)
- • Avoid QR codes unless campaign includes mobile-first strategy
- • No profanity, violence, or controversial content
Timeline & Investment
Typical Timeline
Booking: 2-4 weeks lead time
Production: 5-7 business days
Installation: 3-5 days (weather-dependent)
Campaign Duration: 4 weeks minimum
Removal: 1-2 days
Estimated Investment
Standard Shelters: $1,500-$3,500/month per location
Premium Manhattan: $4,000-$8,000/month per location
Multi-Location Packages: $15,000-$50,000/month
Production Costs: $500-$1,500 per design
Prices vary by location, duration, and inventory availability
Best Practices for Restaurants
Hyper-Local Targeting
Place shelters within a 5-10 block radius of your restaurant. Target high-foot-traffic corners, office districts (for lunch traffic), and residential areas (for dinner/weekend traffic).
Mouth-Watering Visuals
Use large, high-quality food photography that triggers appetite. Close-ups of signature dishes with steam, texture, and vibrant colors perform best. Avoid busy backgrounds—let the food be the hero.
Include Walking Directions
Add your address and walking distance: "123 Main St, 2 blocks east" or "Corner of 5th & Broadway." Make it effortless for pedestrians to find you.
Promote Timely Offers
Highlight lunch specials, happy hour deals, or weekend brunch. Example: "Happy Hour 4-7pm Daily" or "$15 Lunch Special Mon-Fri"
Leverage Backlit Shelters at Night
Premium backlit shelters provide 24/7 visibility. Perfect for dinner-focused restaurants or late-night spots targeting evening foot traffic.