WATERLOO REGION — No advertising will be put on the outside of Ion trains.

"I think that's our showcase," said Regional Chair Ken Seiling at a Tuesday committee meeting when he put forward the motion that was carried by council.

The region has received numerous requests for advertising availability on the light rail trains, buses and station platforms, according to a regional report on transit advertising.

Ads could still be posted inside the trains, but the exterior would be kept clear.

"I think the clean look is what we're after," said Coun. Geoff Lorentz.

Transit advertising is up for review as the region's contract expires in June 2019. Currently, it limits full advertising wraps that cover the bus entirely to a maximum of five of the fleet of 260 buses at any time, and allows an unlimited number of single-sided ads.

"How much money are we missing out on," Coun. Karl Kiefer asked about ads on Ion.

Coun. Tom Galloway answered that the possible revenue on the Ion would likely be similar to buses, but added that it is only possible revenue the region would lose because "there is no revenue currently."

About $500,000 annually is currently generated from selling advertising rights on the exterior and interior of Grand River Transit buses.

Eliminating ads that obstruct any of the bus window would cost the region about $220,000 in revenue.

But those ads are not popular among riders and councillors, who will be able to consider the possibility of discontinuing them when the contract expires.

Customers have complained that ads covering bus windows, despite being made of perforated vinyl, obstruct the view and darken the inside for passengers.

"I also don't like the wraparound advertising on the buses," said Coun. Jane Mitchell. "You can't really see outside."

At Tuesday's meeting, councillors briefly discussed the revised proposed route for the second stage of Ion travelling from Kitchener to Cambridge based on feedback from the public.

"We have made some significant changes to the route. I'm not sure if it will make everyone happy," said Thomas Schmidt, the region's commissioner of transportation and environmental services.

The proposed route now takes the Ion alongside Highway 8 in south Kitchener and avoids much of Eagle Street in Cambridge, compared to the 2017 proposed route that ran along that road.

"I'm very happy with the changes in Cambridge," Mitchell said.

Keifer said not running the line down Eagle Street is a big and welcome change. The proposed route, made public on Friday, has 60 fewer property impacts and 70 fewer full property buyouts.

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"I think there's going to be a lot more who will be happy," said Keifer, who represents Cambridge.

Three public consultation centres on the proposed route are being held next week in Kitchener and Cambridge.