Автобусы в Чапел-Хилле светят приветствия студентам и забавные надписи перед матчами

Across the greater Chapel Hill area, public buses transport riders to and fro fare-free, indicating destinations on their external screens. But on special days, if passersby look closely, fun messages will light up, whether welcoming new students or hinting at upcoming events. Signs have been dedicated to the Savannah Bananas, reading “Welcome Class of 2030” or “Beat Dook,” bringing a smile or a chuckle to pedestrians and riders alike. But who is behind the signs? Meet Joseph McMiller, deputy operations manager for the fixed routes division at Chapel Hill Transit, where he has worked for over 20 years. He said he has his hands in a little bit of everything — including customizing bus signs.  McMiller said they are used to advertise, get people excited for upcoming events and welcome visitors to town. “It takes a deeper dive into transit,” McMiller said. “It takes a deeper dive, showing that we are a customer service, customer-friendly transportation system.” McMiller said the “Welcome Class of 2030” sign that popped up earlier this school year was meant to welcome new students and make them feel appreciated — but also let them know that CHT is there to fulfill their transportation needs. Emily Powell, CHT’s community outreach manager, said she liked the “Welcome Class of 2030” display because many new students are newly on their own, with some using public transportation for the first time.  “So, just having that little bit of, like, ‘Oh, the bus system sees me,’ I think, is really welcoming. So, I love that, and it’s a huge thing to get all those students on board,” Powell said. To Powell, the custom signs are a reminder that CHT isn’t a “faceless government service,” but a part of the larger community and in tune with what is going on in the town. The signs have more function than just fun phrases — they’re often educational. Powell said the signs draw people’s attention and often teach them where to look for the bus’s destination. “It’s a channel for us to really teach people how to efficiently and effectively use public transit,” she said.  Considering the busy day-to-day life of a UNC student filled with classes, clubs and assignments, it wouldn’t be surprising if they failed to notice the subtle signs. Some students, however, do catch a glimpse of the digital words over the bus’s front windshields, and they appreciate the moments of humor they bring. Isa Thomas, a senior, said she enjoys the custom signs as someone who doesn’t have a lot of school spirit because they bring some UNC pride out of her.  Landon Knox, also a senior, said he especially loves the “Beat Dook” sign that is displayed before UNC competes against Duke University because the rival school’s name is misspelled. “I think it’s funny,” Knox said. “I think it lightens the mood. It kind of takes the pressure off if you’re getting on the bus for an exam and then you see the “Beat Duke” sign, and it’s spelled D-O-O-K.”  This week, McMiller said, buses will sport a “Beat East Tennessee State” sign to get UNC fans excited for their first home football game of the season against East Tennessee State University on Saturday.  Walking anywhere in Chapel Hill, it’s hard to go five minutes without seeing a public transit bus.  For some, CHT’s custom signs serve as a small but memorable reminder that it’s often the little things that can brighten your day. @dailytarheel | [email protected]