In an effort to promote public transport, BART, aka Bay Area Rapid Transit, has chosen to take the help of some new anime waifus. Five mascots have been selected from hundreds of submissions, and they will help BART connect with young riders and their communities.
BART arranged for an open call for California-based artists in the summer of 2022. It was met with nearly 500 submissions. After combing through them all, BART has collaborated with a select few to create the mascots.
These mascots will serve as BART’s approachable avatars with a friendly attitude. All the new anime mascots are set to debut at FanimeCon, an anime convention that will be held in San Jose from May 26-May 29.
Themed anime merchandise, promo tickets, postcards as well as collectible charms will be available for participants.
What Is BART?
BART is a rapid transport system that operates in San Francisco Bay Area. It covers a vast network of 211 km and serves six routes consisting of 50 stations. It is one of the first US transit systems to offer stellar telephone communication even deep underground.
Why Is BART Employing Anime Mascots?
On the Twitter account of BART, it has been explained that BART has been changing dramatically since the pandemic. The younger Gen Z is riding public transit more consistently. Thus, the community wants to communicate with them at their level.
Anime Mascots might be uncommon in the USA, but they are trendy in East Asia. They serve to connect communities and deliver important messages. BART is also looking to use the same strategy.
Who Are the BART Anime Mascots?
BART has helped artists create five anime mascots. The fifth one is a surprisingly cute mini-bus-like character. The other four have gorgeous designs and will cater to different sections of BART. So before you can jump down the rabbit hole of becoming their fan, let us introduce you to the five cute mascots.
Baylee The GOAT
She is a star online influencer based in the Bay Area who has a cute and bubbly personality. She loves blueberry boba, food, and everything related to Bay Area and Northern California. Her occupation is a tour guide.
Nimbus: Bard of BART
Nimbus is a storyteller and historian with a hawk for a companion. She has a wise and free-spirited personality and is also mysterious. Her likes include stories, music, art, and citruses, not to forget touching the grass.
Nimbus hates pigeons, despite her companion being a bird. Her spare time includes running a library hidden deep in the hills.
Jasmine: #1 Transit Fan
With a creative and loving personality, Jasmine loves anime, cosplay, and boba tea. She hates anything that crawls, as well as tomatoes. She is a highschool student.
Mira: Train Operator
Mira is a serious employee who always goes by the book. She takes time to warm up to people, but she loves public transit and the sounds of the train. Burritos and video games come close second.
Barty
Last but not least is Barty, your friendly companion through the Bay Area, who happens to look like a rabbit cum bus.
While anime mascots aren’t a new phenomenon, it is definitely new in the United States. Let’s hope that the characters help BART communicate its message so that riders can increase in the future.
Were you able to catch the debut of these cute waifus? Let us know if you want more companies to adopt the same strategy.
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