Direct Mail

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The ability to target geographically, by zip code or postal carrier route, makes direct mail an appealing option for transit marketing. It means you can provide information you know is relevant based on where readers live. Another advantage is the capacity to provide detailed service information, such as route maps, schedules, and even a free-ride pass.


The U.S. Postal Service offers a product called USPS Every Door Direct Mail that allows you to send a flat direct mail piece (up to legal size) to every address in an area at a very low cost. You can select areas to send to on their online map. See the USPS website for more information. An online or local printer or mail house also can help you manage a mailing.


Common postcard sizes are 5.5 x 4.25 inches, 9 x 6 inches, and 11 x 8.5 inches. Templates for each of these sizes are below. Small postcards can’t contain much information, so are generally not as useful. Large postcards can contain a lot of information and also stand out in the mail and are less likely to be overlooked. If you’re including detailed route info, it’s a good idea to have a bold message and photo on one side to attract attention and keep the details on the back.

Postcard announcing free public transit in Georgetown; shows bus routes and a map.

When printing, make sure your printer knows that these will be postcards so they use an appropriate card-stock paper.


The templates below include sample mailing “indicia,” the portion that contains postal permit number, type of mailing, etc. These indicia are only examples, and should be replaced by information specific to your mailing. Work with your printer, mailing house, or post office to ensure you’re using the proper information.

Canva Templates

Small postcards (5.5” x 4.25”)

A postcard for Alpha Transit, showing a child and providing dial-a-ride information with blue accents on a wooden surface.

A – Small Postcard
5.5” x 4.25”

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Two Beta Transit postcards: one with a photo of a man helping a woman on a bus, the other with info and a logo.

B – Small Postcard
5.5” x 4.25”

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Two postcards advertising Gamma Transit, featuring students, on a wooden surface. Turquoise and orange color scheme.

C – Small Postcard
5.5” x 4.25”

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Medium postcards (9” x 6”)

Postcard promoting Alpha Transit's Dial-A-Ride service, with blue and white design. Features people, phone icons, and app information.

A – Medium Postcard - Promotional
9” x 6”

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Alpha Transit postcard: Elderly people on a bus. Includes route map, services information and contact details.

A – Medium Postcard with Map
9” x 6”

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Brochure for Beta Transit: shows a bus passenger; text reads

B – Medium Postcard - Promotional
9” x 6”

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Postcard promoting Beta Transit's ride service, featuring photo of people boarding a bus, a map, and service details.

B – Medium Postcard with Map
9” x 6”

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Postcard promoting Gamma Transit; woman and man on a bus. Turquoise and white colors.

C – Medium Postcard - Promotional
9” x 6”

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A postcard promoting Gamma Transit with an image of a pregnant woman on a bus; text and route map.

C – Medium Postcard with Map
9” x 6”

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Large postcards (11” x 8.5”)

Alpha Transit flyer advertising dial-a-ride service. Featuring a photo of a child and adult on a bus and highlighting service details.

A – Large Postcard - Promotional
11” x 8.5”

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Flyer for Alpha Transit: blue and white, senior women, route map, information about bus services.

A – Large Postcard with Map
11” x 8.5”

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Brochure for Beta Transit: a woman helped onto a bus, red & blue color scheme; information on fares & services.

B – Large Postcard - Promotional
11” x 8.5”

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Promotional flyer for BETA Transit. Shows a bus passenger being helped onto the bus. Includes service information and map.

B – Large Postcard with Map
11” x 8.5”

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Advertisement for Gamma Transit offering free rides, featuring students on a bus.

C – Large Postcard - Promotional
11” x 8.5”

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Promotional postcard for Gamma Transit. Turquoise and white with a woman and text about easy transportation.

C – Large Postcard with Map
11” x 8.5”

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