TriMet is the lifeblood of the Portland metro area, connecting communities through its comprehensive bus, light rail, and commuter rail services. With a commitment to equity, sustainability, and innovation, TriMet’s extensive network provides vital access to work, education, healthcare, and recreation. Watson Creative partnered with TriMet to deliver culturally responsive messaging and marketing services that reflect Portland’s diverse population while fostering stronger community connections.
As a Portland-based agency, Watson Creative shares a deep appreciation for the role TriMet plays in the community. For decades, Portlanders like Jenna Watson’s father, an English professor at Portland State University, have relied on TriMet not just for transportation but for connection—meeting neighbors, enjoying moments of reflection, and building bonds across the city. Inspired by this personal legacy, Watson Creative approached this collaboration with a commitment to honoring TriMet’s impact on the region.
Understanding the diverse communities that TriMet serves is at the heart of Watson’s strategy. Our work focuses on transcreation, adapting messaging not just linguistically but culturally, to resonate with Portland’s many demographics, including its Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, and Somali-speaking communities. By working with native speakers and cultural experts, we ensure that messaging aligns with cultural values, priorities, and nuances, fostering stronger engagement and inclusion.
Watson’s work has helped position TriMet as a national leader in public transportation marketing. By aligning campaigns with Vision 2030, TriMet has enhanced its community image, increased ridership among diverse groups, and strengthened its brand as a reliable and inclusive service. Public feedback has highlighted the effectiveness of culturally attuned messaging, creating a deeper sense of belonging among riders.
Build from insight. Strategy isn’t guesswork—it’s groundwork. We listen, research, and distill what matters to guide smarter decisions and set a solid creative direction.
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