Monday, June 29, 2009

Innovation in mass transit

Chicago-based Commuter Advertising is doing its part to aid the nationwide mass transit budget crisis by delivering patented, short-form audio advertisements between stop announcements on buses and trains.

For every 10 stops, commuters listen to one 10-second ad that plays over the PA system and view text scrolls on LED screens. Ads are tailored to specific stops so that the information is relevant to the riders.

Commuter Advertising uses existing equipment so there is no cost to mass transit, and ad profits are shared. This innovative concept presents a way for mass transit companies to prevent layoffs, service cuts, and fare increases.

On April 30, the Champaign-Urbana Metro Transit District became the first system in Illinois to adopt Computer Advertising technology, doubling the company's reach to 21 million riders.

No comments: