Riders have been seeing some high-definition advertising in the subways since the MTA installed 10 five-and-a-half-foot digital screens earlier this month.
The MTA installed these digital advertising screens, managed by CBS Outdoor, in 10 Manhattan stations, including Grand Central Terminal, Times Square, Port Authority and Columbus Circle.
While the MTA declined to say how much revenue the screens are bringing in, a spokesman said advertising brought in $130 million last year, an increase from about $120 million in 2012. In 1997, ad revenue was $38 million. Digital ads are also part of the MTA’s new digital information kiosks.
“The MTA views digital screens as playing an increasingly important role in the future of advertising inside our system,” MTA’s director of real estate Jeffrey Rosen said in a statement.
Other stations featuring the 66-inch tall, 36-inch wide screens include Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center, Herald Square, Lincoln Center, 49th Street on the N, Q, R lines and 23rd Street on the F and M lines.
The 10 new digital screens will run ads from Turner Broadcasting, including promotions for the NCAA’s March Madness basketball championship. The ads will be streamed to the screens through Transit Wireless, the company that is wiring underground stations for cellular and wireless service.
“This is yet another example of how having state-of-the-art telecommunications infrastructure in the New York City subway system supports new technology projects that enhance the rider experience,” Bill Bayne, CEO of Transit Wireless, said in a statement.
The screens will be in place until at least next March, but Turner is interested in keeping them in the stations longer, the MTA said.
