Recently SMART was required to post advertisements on some of its buses. The ads state, “Don’t believe in God? You’re not alone.” As a governmental agency that receives state and federal funds, SMART is mandated to comply with federal and state laws. First Amendment free speech rights require that SMART not censor free speech and because of that, SMART is required to provide equal access to advertising on our vehicles. In this case, the advertising does not violate the content restriction policy in the contract or the law.
While SMART is required to post this material, advertising posted on SMART property may not reflect the views or opinions of SMART, its employees or riders. This advertising campaign is not unique to the SMART system. It began in 2009 in the form of billboards and has been posted as public transit ads across the country.
Please know that we take the rights and views of all of our riders and our communities very seriously. For information on the SMART Bus Advertising program or to purchase advertising on SMART buses, click here.