Posted on June 5, 2015

Bus Messages Called Offensive When Read Backwards

Amy Wadas, CBS Pittsburgh, June 4, 2015

The Port Authority is looking into bus slogans that some are calling offensive.

Officials say they’ve recently received complaints that one of its slogans, “Ziggin Zaggin,” is offensive when read backwards, seeming to spell out a racial slur.

Jim Ritchie with the Port Authority says they will remove the messages from buses.

“. . . due to recent complaints about how this message appears when read backward, we have decided to remove the message from our vehicles,” he said. “This will take us several days to properly remove. We apologize to anyone who may have been offended.”

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The Port Authority says this slogan has been wrapped around nine buses since 2003. This is the first time anyone has ever complained about it. It was part of a marketing campaign that comprised of six different slogans like “Rockin’ Rollin’” and “Movin’ Groovin’.”

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However, the Port Authority says it’s coming off of the buses in the next few weeks. It doesn’t anticipate the removal process costing a lot of money.

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But, a couple of windows might have to be replaced if the signage leaves a mark when it’s peeled off. The Port Authority might take a look at some other options as well.

“We might have to put some sort of vinyl covering on it to make sure the mark is completely covered,” Ritchie said.

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