School children from the West Midlands will find out next month whether more than two million people will get to see their art work.

Pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9 were asked to design a poster on the theme of ‘transport of the future’ – and the winning entry will be displayed on the back of buses across the region.

The competition was organised by the West Midlands Regional TravelWise Group, This group is made up of all the local authorities in the area and the Public Transport Executive, Centro. They aim to encourage people to use public transport, walk, car share and cycle more often.

Entrants needed their design to show new methods of travelling in an environmentally friendly way. Various secondary schools in the area have taken part – and will find out if they have made the shortlist when term starts in September.

The winning pupil will see their A4 drawing transformed into a huge ‘mega rear’ advert to fit on a single deck bus, along with smaller bus posters.

The buses will be revealed in November and then displayed at the National ACT TravelWise Conference in Birmingham, which attracts delegates from the biggest companies and organisations in the UK.

The winner will also win £750 of art supplies for their school and receive a framed copy of their design.

Two runners-up will also receive a framed copy, along with £500 and £250 art supplies for their schools respectively and their designs will also be made into bus back posters.
 
Rachel Hooper, sustainable travel officer, said the competition had shown that pupils have a strong understanding of green issues.

“We wanted to encourage the students of today to think about the travel of tomorrow – and we’ve been impressed by how insightful and knowledgeable some of their ideas have been.

“The entries we’ve had are both well designed and intelligent – the pupils have done themselves proud. Most of the entries have looked at ways at improving public transport and ways to cut back on the need for cars.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for the winner because these buses will travel everywhere in the West Midlands, from the north of Staffordshire to the south of Hereford. There’s something like 2.5 million people in the area so it’s going to be seen by a lot of people!

“We’re really excited by the competition and very grateful for all the efforts of pupils from the West Midlands.”

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