Bath Bus Company 32 Vehicle Tootbus Branding
posted 19th May 2025
When Bath Bus Company approached Popin Graphics for a comprehensive fleet rebrand to the new Tootbus identity, we knew this would be one of our most exciting and challenging projects to date. The scope was ambitious: over 30 vehicles across multiple locations, featuring a diverse mix of vehicle types including Optare VLE, VXE, UNVI, AYATS, and Scania MCV models. This project demanded not only our technical expertise in vehicle graphics but also our logistical capabilities to coordinate installations across three major locations.
Popin Graphics was ideally positioned for this challenge, bringing together our years of experience in fleet branding & management, our reputation for high-quality digital printing, and our flexible approach to on-site installations. Our team's ability to work efficiently across multiple depots while maintaining consistent quality standards made us the perfect partner for Bath Bus Company's transformation to the vibrant Tootbus brand.
Digitally Printed Full Wrap Installed On-Site in London
Premium Materials for Long Lasting Results
The success of any vehicle graphics project depends heavily on material selection, and for the Tootbus rebrand, we employed a carefully chosen combination of industry leading products. For our digitally printed graphics, we utilised both 3M IJ40C and 3M IJ180mc materials, selecting each based on the specific application requirements of different vehicle surfaces and graphic complexities. The 3M IJ40C provided excellent conformability for simpler applications, while the 3M IJ180mc offered superior performance characteristics for more demanding curved surfaces and complex geometries.
For non-printed elements, we specified Macal 9800 cut white vinyl, which delivered crisp, clean lines and excellent durability for text and simple graphic elements. This strategic material selection ensured that every aspect of the Tootbus branding would maintain its visual impact and structural integrity throughout the demanding operational life of these commercial vehicles.
Comprehensive Coverage Solutions
The Tootbus rebrand encompassed three distinct types of graphic applications, each tailored to specific vehicle roles and branding requirements. Our printed and cut Tootbus graphics kits formed the foundation of the rebrand, providing consistent brand identity elements across the entire fleet while allowing for vehicle specific customisation. The printed City Sightseeing partial wrap kits represented a more extensive branding approach, covering key visual areas of the vehicles with eye-catching graphics that would attract tourists and clearly identify the sightseeing service.
The crown jewel of the project was the Tootbus 'Bar Bus' printed full wrap for the London based Optare VXE, which transformed the vehicle into a mobile advertisement and entertainment venue. This full wrap required precise planning and execution to ensure perfect alignment and coverage across the vehicle's entire surface, creating a stunning rolling billboard that would capture attention throughout London's busy streets.
Digitally Printed Partial Wrap Installed at Popin HQ
Strategic Multi-Location Installation
The logistical complexity of the Tootbus rebrand required careful coordination across three primary installation locations, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities. At Popin's headquarters in Cardiff, we handled several vehicles in our controlled workshop environment, allowing for detailed work and quality control under optimal conditions. The Bath depot installations required our team to adapt to the client's operational facility, working efficiently to minimise disruption to Bath Bus Company's daily operations while maintaining our high standards. The London installations at The Original Tour depot in Wandsworth, where urban logistics and space constraints demanded creative problemsolving and precise scheduling. Our commitment to site fitting at customer locations proved invaluable throughout this project, demonstrating Popin's flexibility and customer-focused approach. This multi-location strategy not only reduced vehicle downtime but also showcased our ability to deliver consistent results regardless of working environment.
Digitally Cut Vinyl Graphics Supplied to London
Outstanding Results and Professional Finish
The completed Tootbus rebrand stands as a testament to Popin's expertise in large-scale fleet transformations. Each of the 30+ vehicles now proudly displays the vibrant Tootbus branding with professional precision and attention to detail that reflects the quality tourists expect from a premium sightseeing service. The diverse vehicle types, from Optare models to the impressive Scania MCV units, all received graphics perfectly tailored to their unique proportions and characteristics. The full wrap London VXE Barbus has become a particular standout, turning heads throughout the capital with its bold, comprehensive branding that transforms the vehicle into a mobile marketing masterpiece. Beyond the immediate visual impact, the quality of materials and installation techniques ensures that Bath Bus Company's investment will continue to pay dividends through years of reliable, attractive branding that withstands the demand of daily commercial operation. This project reinforces Popin's position as the go-to partner for complex, multi-location vehicle branding projects that demand both technical excellence and logistical expertise.
