Springfield, IL – The Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD) unveiled “Buddy” the bus today, wrapped to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Route 66, which is being celebrated Spring, Summer, and into November of this year.
SMTD contracts with Houck Transit Advertising for advertising service, and Houck is responsible for the design and production of bus wraps residents normally see on the streets of the Springfield area.
“We started working with Houck several weeks ago to design and produce Buddy’s Route 66themed wrap,” said SMTD Managing Director Steve Schoeffel. “We specifically wanted a wrap to make one of our buses look more like a vintage bus, and our contractor did a great job working with us to get that look – especially the period color.”
The bus is also equipped with a sound system similar to what the community might remember from “Holly”, the holiday lights bus.
“Buddy has been set up with a sound system to play a variety of music from Route 66-specific songs to road trip-themed songs to general Americana,” Schoeffel added. “We will be able to use the sound system at events around the area to add to Buddy’s entertainment value.”
Songs include from Nat King Cole’s “Get Your Kicks On Route 66”, Rascal Flatts’ “Life Is A Highway”, Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode”, The Beach Boys’ “I Get Around”, and Glenn Miller’s “In The Mood” to Sammy Hagar’s “I Can’t Drive 55” and Steppenwolf’s “Born To Be Wild” just to name a few.
Schoeffel said “Buddy” will be visible on routes throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall, but will not be equipped with the sound system when running passenger service. Appearances will be announced periodically via social media and possibly on the website similar to “Holly” during the holiday season.
For information on SMTD routes, fares, and more, visit www.SMTD.org.
