Community transport in Warwickshire will have a brand new look after two Warwickshire College students won a design competition run by Stratford-on-Avon District Council.
The Community Link bus scheme aims to help residents of any age who are stuck for transport to get to local destinations and, following a decision to relaunch the service, the council partnered with the college to give the students the opportunity to brand the buses.
Second year students from the BTEC Visual Communication course in Leamington were given the brief and after submitting the concept, the council chose Iona Tiffen's design and the name 'Ubus' which Amy Woon came up with. The two students then worked together to unify their ideas into one final design.
The buses will now be branded up with the winning design and name ready for the relaunch in June.
Iona, 18 from Napton, said, “I had a few ideas, and did some research, looking at how other businesses had branded their buses. I really liked the idea of the chain though – showing how the buses will people together, so that's how I settled on the final concept. I'm really excited to see what they will look like on the road."
Amy, 18 from Rugby said, “It was a really good experience working on this project – having to follow the council's brief and then working with Iona to create the final design. It will be great to see the 'Ubus' name on all the transport."
Cllr Maurice Howse, portfolio holder for Enterprise, Housing and Revenues at Stratford-on-Avon District Council presented Iona and Amy each with a cheque for £150.
He said, “I was really impressed with how innovative, creative and different all the designs were. I'd like to congratulate all the students on the really high standard of work they achieved. I hope they look forward to seeing the vans driving down the lanes of Warwickshire this summer knowing they have been a part of it - it's a really great contribution to the community."
Irene Tsiampakou, Course Leader, said, “We're absolutely delighted to have worked with Stratford-on-Avon District Council on this project. It all stemmed from the college's Gazelle Local event where our partners and local businesses were encouraged to link up with the college to offer students live projects to help enhance their employability skills while studying for their qualification.
“It has given the all the students involved fantastic real world experience, which is so valuable for their future career prospects. We're really proud of what they have all achieved."
Dave Webb, Head of Enterprise, Housing and Revenues said, “Stratford-on-Avon District Council was delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Second year students from the BTEC Visual Communication course at Warwickshire College. We wanted to see innovative and creativity in the brand and design for the new Community Transport vehicles and we were not disappointed. All the students who participated presented excellent ideas but the winning designs were exceptional. Congratulations to all the students who participated, particularly the winners."
Warwickshire College offers a range of arts courses - for more information go to www.warwickshire.ac.uk/courses.
News release issued by Warwickshire College
