How do you increase ridership, gain positive media coverage and improve the overall image of your transit system for less than $1,000? Ask Ramona Williams, Dispatcher/Supervisor, from Jefferson Parish. She was able to accomplish just this thing.

Ramona Williams

JeT asked their riders to tell them what they think of the system by creating a slogan for “What riding JeT means to you”. Those who entered the contest also filled out a survey about their opinion of the service. Advertising and fliers were placed on buses, and then riders would either mail them in or turn them in to an operator. Contest winners at the West bank and the East bank won $100 for first place, a monthly pass for second place and a bag of tokens for third place. At the awards ceremony they gave away food, drinks and prizes to the riders and onlookers.

Westbank
	1st Place Ride with us, we will “JeT” you there!  -- Debbie Piglia
	2nd Place Traffic…Accident…Road Closure?  Don’t Sweat!  Ride JeT! -- J.J. Guerineau
	3rd Place Get there in a JeT!  Jefferson Transit -- Ashton Matthews

Eastbank
	1st Place It pays to ride the “JeT” way – Service with a Smile -- Kathleen Gaudin
	2nd Place Save on gas!  Get there in a flash – on “JeT”! -- Nadine Trammell
	3rd Place Get Ready!  Get Set!  To ride the “JeT”! -- Charles Flynn

"This slogan contest is a real winner because it created involvement by both our riders and employees. The enthusiasm of our riders was the true success of the contest. They were really thrilled with the entire process,” said Ramona.

General Manager, Derrick Breun, said, “Everyday we try to show our riders that they are our greatest priority and this contest reconfirmed that our riders are our business.”

Jefferson Parish entered the contest in the APTA “Campaigns on a Shoe String” contest and they will receive a First Place Prize at this year’s Annual Meeting in San Diego.

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