When you talk about advertising on TransJakarta shelters, many brands immediately imagine huge costs that only companies with billion-rupiah marketing budgets can afford. Especially if the location is in the center of Jakarta, who wouldn't want their brand displayed in the middle of the capital's hustle and bustle? But on the other hand, many small to medium-sized businesses back down before they even start, believing that out-of-home (OOH) advertising must be expensive.
Imagine a local brand—for example, a herbal drink or a home-based fashion label—that wants to reach an urban audience in Jakarta. They have a great story, aesthetic product designs, and a passion for growth. Unfortunately, budget limitations make them reluctant to consider OOH as a promotional channel. But the reality isn't always like that.
There are still strategic spots in Jakarta that can be used as advertising media at a more efficient cost, while still having a huge impact. One of them? The non-BRT TransJakarta shelters, which are bus stops spread throughout the heart of residents' mobility, are not yet a primary choice for advertising.
Often, non-BRT bus stops are considered "peripheral" locations because they are not on the main bus routes with exclusive corridors. But if you look closer, you'll see many non-BRT shelters are located in areas with high activity, near schools, traditional markets, dense residential areas, and even government offices.
These are the locations that actually serve as the main movement patterns of people's daily lives. Instead of just being an express corridor for commuters, these spots are hubs where residents get on and off vehicles, wait for transportation, and even walk around.
In other words, advertising on non-BRT TransJakarta shelters is present at points with high social engagement, where people genuinely live, move, and interact.
It would be a big mistake to think that advertising on non-BRT shelters is a "second-class" option. On the contrary, the visual format used is still modern and exclusive, with premium display quality, clean design, and optimal lighting. In terms of visual appeal and impression, this medium is on par with other major OOH spots.
What makes it different is its cost efficiency. Brands can make a bold public statement in Jakarta without having to allocate the massive budgets required for a billboard on a flyover or an LED screen at a city roundabout.
This is why many medium-sized brands are starting to use non-BRT shelters as their first step into the world of OOH. It's a medium that allows for the exploration of a brand's narrative in a physical space without having to immediately "play in the big leagues."
Why can advertising on non-BRT TransJakarta shelters be more effective than other OOH locations? There are several strong reasons:
Unskippable Ads: Unlike digital ads that are easily skipped or blocked, this medium is right in front of an audience that is waiting for transportation or walking by. They cannot "skip" your ad's visual presence.
High Exposure Time: Because people typically wait for several minutes, their attention to the ads is more intense. In many cases, users even see the same ad repeatedly because they pass the same shelter every day.
Minimal Digital Distractions: While at the bus stop, people are more focused on their surroundings rather than their phone screens. There's no algorithm, no rapid scrolling—just a physical visual that completely "captures" their attention.
Also read: More Than Just Exposure: Boost Your Out-of-Home Media ROI with City Vision
When it comes to advertising on TransJakarta shelters (both BRT and non-BRT), City Vision is the only official operator with the exclusive rights to manage these locations.
More than just a media company, City Vision brings a strategic approach based on urban mobility mapping. They don't simply place ads in a location; they understand the social context, demographics, and movement patterns of the people around the shelter.
Here are some of the other advantages of working with City Vision:
Easy Campaign Execution: Everything from permits and layout design to material production is handled with an integrated system.
On-site Visual Monitoring: They ensure your ad's appearance remains optimal throughout its run time.
Creative Support: Their creative team is ready to help brands tailor their message to the specific characteristics of each location.
With all these conveniences, brands only need to focus on the narrative and message they want to convey. City Vision handles the rest.
Compared to other advertising channels that are only accessible to a handful of large brands, non-BRT shelters are a more democratic medium. Small to medium-sized brands can appear with wide reach, controlled costs, and real impact.
It's about more than just visibility; brands can also build a closer connection with local communities. When an ad is present in the middle of a residential area (not just speeding by on a highway), the brand's message feels more personal and relevant.
Non-BRT shelters change how we view OOH. It’s not just about visual impressions; it’s about how a brand can be more human and integrated into the daily lives of Jakarta's residents.
Also read: Time to Go Exclusive: Premium Billboards for High-End Campaigns
OOH is no longer an exclusive domain for large corporations. With the presence of options like non-BRT TransJakarta shelter advertising, all brands now have the opportunity to be seen and feel close to the public.
For brands that want to build a consistent, efficient, and meaningful presence, non-BRT shelters are a smart path to start with. You don't need to wait for a billion-rupiah budget—just the right strategy and a strong narrative.
Want to know the best spots for your brand? Consult with City Vision now and start being present in the middle of Jakarta's urban mobility.
