Video ads have already infiltrated popular public spaces in New York City — and now, they’re coming to subway stations and platforms. The MTA has just announced that they’ll be installing nearly 14,000 screens in stations and platforms, 31,000 in 5,134 subway cars, and an additional 3,900 on LIRR and Metro North commuter trains. The $800 million installation is taking place in partnership with OUTFRONT Media, one of the largest out-of-home media companies in North America.
We can already hear the collective sighs of commuters, but the MTA confirms that the ads won’t have sound — and some of the screens will offer useful information like touchscreen maps, train status updates and emergency information, in addition to “both advertising and customer communications.”
“This contract represents an entirely new approach for the MTA, offering dramatically improved customer communications, and an upside potential for more advertising revenues,” said MTA Chairman Joe Lhota.
According to the MTA, the screens will begin arriving by the end of 2019, and full installation, including the replacement of some paper ads, will be completed by 2022. For a peek of what to expect, check out the video above.
Next, check out A Sneak Peek at the MTA’s New Open Gangway Subway Car Prototype.