New t-shirts meant to promote Cincinnati's streetcar effort

Cincinnati's proposed streetcar system has rallied a new generation of supporters looking to leave their stamp on the city for future generations. These young activists have voiced their support at community meetings and City Hall but have now moved their convictions to the fashion industry.

CincyStreetcar.com owner, Brad Thomas says the intent of the transportation tops is to both increase awareness of the project as well as rally support.  According to organizers, the t-shirts are already a success with the sales of their most recent design exceeding their initial expectations.

"The shirts intentionally use a simple design so that they could be used in a variety of ways," says Jody Bunn who designed the shirts.  But the response that the group of three Cincinnatians received was a bit surprising when a week into sales and promotions they were contacted by individuals across the country.

One of those contacts came from Milwaukee where people were also looking for a way to help increase awareness and rally support for their own proposed streetcar project.  The out-of-town interest netted a large order of shirts that will be designed with “Milwaukee Streetcar” on the front instead of “Cincinnati Streetcar,” but the proceeds will go back to help fund additional efforts right here in Cincinnati.

The initial batch of 200 shirts has been so popular that two additional orders of 200 each have been placed to keep up with demand.  So far the shirts have been made available at places like Findlay Market vendors such as Taste from Belgium and Market Wines, as well as the 2009 T-Shirt Festival on Fountain Square last weekend, Park+Vine, Mustard Seed Boutique, and the Second Sunday on Main event where the shirts were unveiled.

“The positive comments and desire to get the word out really goes to show that, despite a few vocal naysayers, the people of Cincinnati really do want to move forward with new forms of transportation that will create jobs and strengthen our neighborhoods,” says Thomas.

The shirts are available for $15 with all of the proceeds going to benefit future promotional efforts for the Cincinnati Streetcar.

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Top photograph by Scott Beseler
Bottom image provided