Now, Philadelphia City Council is considering new places to advertise.
This morning, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown introduced a bill that, if Harrisburg gives its blessing, would allow advertising on at least the 417 yellow schools buses owned and operated by the Philadelphia School District.
The revenue generated would be used to help fund the district.
"This practice actually goes back to the 1990s," Reynolds Brown said.
The idea started out west. However, if it was to be implemented here, Reynolds Brown says some products would not be allowed.
"Nothing about tobacco, nothing about alcohol, nothing about sexual content, nothing about political campaigns, political ads," Reynolds Brown said.
City Council is looking to grow non-tax revenues.
Last week, President Darrell Clarke pitched advertising on city property. He would not sell space on Billy Penn's hat, but he could see small discreet signs in City Hall's elevators or on other public buildings.
Maybe Nike or a competitor would pay for signage on Rec Center land.
Clarke says $8-million to $10-million could be raised by ads.
"We have to stop taking a position that our first response in a fiscal crisis is to stick our hands in people's pockets and say you have to pay additional taxes fees or fines," Clarke said.
Those we spoke with say if tasteful, they have no problem with this idea.
"I think it would be a smart idea just to raise money and get more advertising out there," Jessica Nightwine of Glen Mills said.
"On a school bus, that would be excellent," Brenda Askew of Lansdowne said.
Yellow school buses and public property traditionally are off limits to advertisers in Philadelphia, but with cash strapped governments and tax weary voters, buses and city land are now considered at least potential options.
