Gothamist: Suffocating Subway Ads Take Over Train

DolceBoca

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 07:01:31 -0500

"Now stopping at 42nd street, sponsored by Coca Cola!"

citizen

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:30:06 -0500

Trading individual vandals for corporate vandals... at least we can see through scratchiti! missed stops, depressing atmosphere, sheltered place to conduct criminal activity... bad idea.

west side Michael

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 23:24:28 -0500

My friend has bladder cancer his MD said it was from a combination of" Ciggie's and his drinking the Phosphoric acid in Coke" be forewarned this drink could be carcinogenic. It's 50/50 whether this may be fatal as a cancer in time.

andoman

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 13:18:17 -0500

I dont mind ads on the train, but why block the windows... cant they stick them on any other areas? Theres loads of blank metal space available for whatever ads they want.

Nachrisco

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:03:48 -0500

Apparently the original subway cars were first designed to be completely windowless. Sorry, anger makes me typo. No comment editing?

Nachrisco

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:00:16 -0500

This is a TERRIBLE idea. People will not know which stop they are at (90% of the time the audio stop announcements are completely unintelligible, plus what about the hearing impaired?!). Also, I've been to the MTA's own transit museum. If you take a look at the exhibit about the old train cars you'll come across an interesting bit of information. Apparently when the first subway cars were fist designed to be completely windowless. Guess what happened? A large portion of riders experienced motion sickness because they had no exterior point of reference! Hope you like the "we're delayed because of a sick passenger" announcements because if this crap stays there's gonna be a lot more of them...

bklyngrrl

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 11:50:57 -0500

How will people know what stop they are at? Not all the trains have (clear) announcements, nor are they are digitalized-up like the L. On the G train you gotta be looking out those windows or you'll miss your stop! This is a ridiculous idea!

grantrules

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 11:25:25 -0500

Let's replace announcements with ads, too!

meganificent

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 11:05:08 -0500

I don't get why they can't put ads on the windows that have some visibility through them. Doesn't make sense. And Bloomberg saying that Coke has helped make NYC what it is today? Ummmm... They bought some high-profile billboards, what else have they done? And really, haven't the commuters made NYC what it is today? Shouldn't we have some say in this?

slny

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 10:07:38 -0500

Subway train? Bus? What are those? I ride my trusty two wheel bike. I don't pay them a penny. Except on occasion.

NannyState

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 23:04:50 -0500

Typical New York: cover everything in shitty marketing and advertizing and walk away with the money. I'd like to put this shit up on Dale Hemmerdinger's house and see how much that shitbag can take.

dd7

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 19:58:06 -0500

If they have to do this, why not use the ads that you can see through from inside (like on some buses?)

Snoopy

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 19:04:20 -0500

As mayor Bloomberg announced today at a press conference, "I have heard all the concerns regarding the new revenue generating ads in our subway system and reviewed it with my advisers. We have found that it is the only way, other than congestion pricing and building a sports stadium on the west side, to close the budget gap we are facing. Our subways are the safest in the world and Coca Cola has been a long term co-partner in making New York what it is today." "When I am elected for my third term, since I am the only one who has the ability and experience as a money manager, you my tax paying suckers, oops I meant citizens will see change."

Colochita

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 17:21:22 -0500

oh what a terribly stupid and unsafe idea. And I don't even CARE if you can see out. I also want to be able to see IN before I get on.

sadpanda

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 17:02:13 -0500

I am fine with the ad-wrapped coke-bottles-on-the-seats-and-floors subway cars, but the windows? come on. what's worse is that it's JUST the window.

SFNYgirl

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:46:51 -0500

And when you're done emailing the mayor, copy & paste your concerns/discontent here: http://mta-nyc.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/mta_nyc.cfg/php/enduser/ask.php

everyAframe

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:03:57 -0500

safety issue and security concerns about covering windows of subway cars: Email the Mayor here: http://tinyurl.com/puc48

drchadwick1

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:53:55 -0500

I swear to tear off those things any time I see them. And FUCK YOU Coca-Cola for buying that crap ad.

Reflect

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:43:19 -0500

please tear down any that can.

Wza

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:32:36 -0500

Should we send out the "bat signal" for Poster Boy?

Qraymond

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:19:20 -0500

I predict that otherwise law-abiding riders will take the matter into their own hands. If this is the same vinyl wrap that I've seen on other vehicles, it is incredibly easy to scratch/peel. It would also be fairly easy to modify the ads with "user generated content." (Not that I am advocating that) But, I'm just saying... it would be very easy for you to do that... if you wanted your window back... which you might... ;)

KiljoyWasHere

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 14:55:20 -0500

The wrap was an OK idea. Blocking windows is beyond counterproductive. No one will ever know what stop they are at.

tamar

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 14:40:28 -0500

@S_R, they already do. See pictures here: http://www.centernetworks.com/google-nyc-subway-train-wrap My guess is that Coke couldn't afford to pay for more than the windows. But the MTA shouldn't have given in to the window either for the reasons stated so eloquently by Brian in his rant: http://www.railfanwindow.com/blog/2008/12/ads-covering-subway-car-windows/ (Disclosure: he's my husband. And no, these aren't 'shopped.)

woodendesigner

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 14:17:33 -0500

This is a joke. I think the city as a whole needs to get more creative on how money is spent. There is no excuse for a budget gap. There is a lot of money wasted on things that this city does not really need. I think this form of advertising could cause major problems and lawsuits down the line. I guess I'll just have to keep a running list of all the companies that use this kind of advertising and stop using their products. So stupid.

peanut100

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:59:42 -0500

i have nothing constructive to say except: f u mta !! the hits just keep coming from these aholes, huh? maybe they can TEXT us what stop we are on since no one can see out the f'ing windows!!

hungryghoast

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:57:25 -0500

with alllll the fucking space to advertise on they chose the window? Whoever thought this one up needs to go to the end of the unemployment line.. as well as the MTA moron who OK'd it. Yeh, go ahead on advertise on the trains. I don't like it one bit, but if it means keeping fares down, go ahead... But your design is getting in the way of FUNCTIONAL design. fucking. morons.

Think twice

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:54:45 -0500

@S_R Amen. But that would require MTA staff to access to parts of the brain they've never used before. What brave soul would dare venture there.

west side Michael

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:53:31 -0500

I guess we have a lot of sidewalks in NY that also can have ad's painted on them ,Who needs this crap? I like to look into a train as it comes in the station to see if any maniacs are in there and to find a seat if possible as my bones show me infrequently but enough that i was born b4 the second ww.

r1b2

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:49:39 -0500

This can't possibly end well. Late at night. Lonely, empty subway car. Drunk hipster/ eldery pensioner/ unaccompanied young hottie enters the train. Next station stop, a wolfpack out for a little wilding boards the train. Have a Coke and a smile.

S_R

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:49:22 -0500

Why can't they do something more like this?: http://www.pinktentacle.com/2008/12/decorated-trains-in-japan/

Think twice

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:45:33 -0500

Which MTA turd approved this! When done right, exterior ads on trains/trams/buses keep the windows open, but this—THIS—is the most half-assed, knuckle-dragging approach I've ever seen!

drewo

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:33:56 -0500

Maybe the MTA can start piping in radio commercials during the ride - to further raise the torture bar.

Alex

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:30:50 -0500

Holy shit. I'm usually sympathetic to the MTA, but fuck this.

Swede

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:20:23 -0500

Fail.

Amanda Spurlock

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:17:36 -0500

Combine this with one of the announcers who sounds like they're mid-gargle and you've got one lost puppy on the subway.

Brian Weinberg

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:03:56 -0500

Hi. Did you guys click on the link to my blog post? I took three photos of this myself and they are in my blog post. It's not photoshopped... railfanwindow.com/blog And I'm not "Jake Dobkin", who took the photo featured here in the Gothamist post. And here's a photo taken a week ago by another person: www.nycsubway.org

vacantlook

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:48:57 -0500

How is someone even supposed to tell how crowded a car is if you can't see into it?

mrmagoo

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:35:06 -0500

if these ads get in the way of the view from my outdoor commute, im going to find another way to get to work. the mta obviously doesnt need my money. TERRIBLE IDEA!

nerdkiller

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:30:16 -0500

fire the MTA

Dirk

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:26:52 -0500

Tbis is wrong on so many levels. I hope this is just a Photoshop mock-up.

cherrycoke

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:26:22 -0500

I don't usually point out bad reporting on here, but the "disgruntled straphanger" never got on the train, so we don't actually know whether you can see out of it or not. Obviously the issues raised with seeing in still exist, but let's not freak out over seeing out, yet. This is the quote from the link in its entirety: "I didn’t get on the train, but I assume that these ads are similar the wraps that cover the windows of buses. That is, they have tiny holes in the ad that supposedly make it so that people inside the vehicle can still see out. Well I dislike those wraps immensely, as outward visibility is significantly reduced in outdoor lighting, and severely reduced to totally eliminated at night or in low lighting."

Nyctini11

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:19:46 -0500

^Felix, Exacly what i was thinking, especially when every 2 mins(the only announcement that's ever clear) we hear, to keep our eyes open and report it..."if you see something, say something" How about I Can't see! If i get in a car like this, i would def switch. I agree with the whole concept for generating MTA revenue, but not at the expense of rider safety. They need to make these type of things see through.

chidog47

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:04:57 -0500

I need to see what stop I'm getting off sometimes!!! WTF

S.D.

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:56:31 -0500

zoofroy, I hope your right but as it would be incredibly Stupid, Would anyone be surprised? IMO: Has to be a Photoshop job.

whitecastlerock

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:54:14 -0500

Did Dick Ravitch approve this?

nycgrid

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:51:31 -0500

This is pretty bad. I don't mind the "wrap" advertising (like what's been on the Times Square shuttle for Google and Mad Men), but blocking something which actually serves a purpose (the damn window!) is just laughable. Seriously, how is one supposed to see the station?

Snoopy

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:49:04 -0500

"an oblivious cop"? So the MTA sanctions branded graffiti now? They are sooooooo stupid.

billybob

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:48:47 -0500

I'll take these trains covered in ads any day before having another 5 years of fair hikes so that by 2013 we're paying $250/month for an unlimited pass. At least it shows they are trying something else, plus it gives graffiti artists a whole new set of canvases. I just wish they weren't covering the windows.

rdsizzle

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:45:29 -0500

A ploy so that commuters cant see out the window when transit cops are ass raping people with their batons.

flynn110

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:45:12 -0500

all i seem to be able to think about is drinking a coke.

gossipgirl

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:37:35 -0500

Yikes!

zoofroy

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:36:29 -0500

This has GOT to be a joke.

West29

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:36:27 -0500

Write a letter! http://www.mta.info/regularmail.htm

zodak

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:35:10 -0500

exactly Bizzle, i was just about to write about how this can be discriminatory to the deaf. what a bad idea. put ads on the steps & turnstiles, but we need to be able to see out the window so we know where we are.

Felix Hoenikker

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:34:04 -0500

That seems to be a major security issue. Imagine a gang of thugs beating someone and an oblivious cop on the other side of some ad. /cue snarky oblivious cop comments

Steven

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:32:48 -0500

The subways will be looking a lot like Grand Central in the 70s and 80s.

Duffy

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:32:37 -0500

Thanks. How am I supposed to see what station I'm in? Half the time you can't hear announcements, and that's with the iPod OFF.

Bizzle

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:30:15 -0500

I would only be on board with this if the MTA didn't implement fare hikes and used this as a vehicle for income. They would definitely have to make sure that announcements are clear (audibly and visually) in case people are dependent on seeing which station they are pulling into.

jonathan

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:28:03 -0500

Now there's no easy out to avoid eye contact with that pretty girl sitting across the way. :(

widefive

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:25:35 -0500

If I see one of these I will tear it down. I don't care what they do to the ad panels, exterior, etc. but they need to keep off the windows.

so1337

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:25:30 -0500

Cant see out of the car? I dont see this lasting long.

FrankMartin

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:24:54 -0500

It is here to stay.

Wza

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:23:02 -0500

wow....

everyAframe

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:22:52 -0500

As a new yorker have always hated brands and agencies who do this to windows. I actually passed on hiring a guy into a GCD position at my first agency because he had this kind of thing in his book and was proud of it in kind of a "hey, I don't care, it isn't my buss/subway/apartment" kind of way.

hoodlum

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:22:50 -0500

Wow, that's insane. People complained about the scratches and acid graffiti on the windows, enjoy not seeing outside of the window at all. :D Mta sucks.