MTA Advertisers Cause Tunnel Vision

Nicole Amato says:

Tired of staring into the blackness of the subway tunnel when you’re stuck facing in one direction while wedged between subway passengers during rush hour? If so — you’re in luck!

According to this article in The New York Times, beginning next spring with the 42^nd street shuttle, advertisements will go up inside of the subway tunnels , which will resemble short (and I’m assuming silent) television commercials.  The article says:

“The tunnel advertising is part of an ambitious Metropolitan Transportation Authority plan to convert much of its real estate into advertising space. In addition to the tunnel ads, it will sell space on turnstiles, digital screens inside stations, projections against subway station walls, and panels on the outside of subway cars.”

Some groups are concerned about the excess of advertisements already in the MTA system, but MTA officials justify this as a way to offset their budget shortfall next year. 

“‘In light of the fiscal difficulties that the M.T.A.’s facing, we have set out to basically look under every rock for ways that we can cut costs and raise revenue,’ said Jeremy Soffin, a spokesman for the authority.”

While I do think it is kind of assaulting to step into those cars wrapped in ads (like this one pictured in Gothamist) first thing in the morning, it’s not like the subway is peaceful and relaxing anyway.  As long as these ads stay out of places like yoga studios, doctor’s offices, classrooms, etc.  I’m okay with it — especially if it keeps the price of my monthly MetroCard from going up.  I’ve never found the reflection in the subway windows to be too flattering anyway.

Stephanie Jones says:

These days, it seems like you cannot escape advertising, no matter where you are.  From elevators to ticket stubs, and billboards to forehead tattoos, ads are everywhere.

If you live in New York City, you will now be bombarded with even more ads: on essentially every possible surface in the NYC subway system.  The MTA recently announced ads would be placed outside the windows as the train travels between stations, subway station walls, digital screens in stations, movie-screen size projections, and even on turnstile arms and structures. 

Some advertisers have already jumped on board this campaign.  I kind of like these subway car ads for Mad Men.  The intrigue of the ads will, I’m sure, wear off within a few weeks of the ads running- but for now I am looking forward to seeing them. 

While many New Yorkers may be sick of seeing advertisements in every direction, most subway riders won’t mind the fact that this new advertising method is projected to help cover the estimated $900 million budget shortfall in 2009.  Let’s hope this prevents another fare increase in the next year.

Jill Feldman says:

Because I am so much older than everyone else (yawn), I remember the first time they wallpapered the Shuttle with ads.  It was a really big deal.  I also remember when they had “animated” ads on the Shuttle and on the PATH - still frames through the windows looked like they were moving as the subway cars moved.  That was very cool.  I think we’ll see more of this, and it doesn’t bother me one bit to have the subways plastered with ads.  It takes the pressure off from looking at the questionable fellow travelers, and affterall, if the economy worsens, where better to reach the majority of New Yorkers than the subway?  Private car and limo budgets are being slashed and it’s the fastest ride in town.

Let us know what you think and maybe we’ll have a follow up post.