Oxford Bus Company has launched its annual Brand the Bus competition for a local charity or good cause to have its branding emblazoned on a new electric double decker.

The branded bus will be electric for the first time as the company accelerates its adoption of net-zero vehicles.

It is the sixth year running the company has run the competition.

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The winner will receive an advertising package worth £40,000 which includes the branded bus, digital screen advertising on board buses and on-air advertising with Greatest Hits Radio (previously Jack FM) for one year.

To celebrate the community partnership between Oxford Bus Company and Greatest Hits Radio a bus rear will be branded to promote the competition.

Oxford Mail: To enter, good causes must submit an entry form online by January 8 providing background information and what it would mean to win the competition.

The public vote will run until February 2, where the top 10 entries will be shortlisted and go to a judging panel, who will then decide on a winner.

Luke Marion, managing director at Oxford Bus Company, said: "The Brand the Bus competition has become an annual tradition in Oxfordshire and is an excellent way to raise awareness of local charities and good causes.

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“It helps us to give back to the communities we operate in and support excellent good causes. The value previous winners have received has been significant, so I’d encourage good causes to get involved. 

“We look forward to receiving this year’s entries and are looking forward to seeing our first ever branded electric bus on the road next year.”

Andy Shier, content director of the Greatest Hits Radio Oxfordshire said: "We’re delighted Greatest Hits Radio is on board with the Brand the Bus! competition.

"As well as playing the biggest songs of the 70s, 80s and 90s with our legendary presenters including Oxfordshire’s own Ken Bruce, Greatest Hits Radio is committed to the community that it serves, and this competition is the perfect opportunity for us to give back. We can’t wait to unveil the winner alongside the Oxford Bus Company.”

Oxford Mail: Restore staff celebrate Brand the BusLast year, Headington-based bereavement charity SeeSaw scooped first prize with Oxford City Angels and Sobell House Hospice the runners-up.

Other charities that have had buses branded are Girl Guiding Oxfordshire, Home-Start Oxford, Blue Skye Thinking and Restore.

Prizes will be awarded to entries who have, in the panel’s opinion, fulfilled the brief to the highest standard.

The winning organisation will be invited to work with Oxford Bus Company on the design with the branded bus expected to launch in the spring.

Two runners-up will receive advertising worth £2,000 and £1,000 respectively.

For more details on the competition and to enter please visit the website: https://www.oxfordbus.co.uk/brand-the-bus

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

You can also read his weekly Traffic and Transport newsletter.