Wednesday, for the first time ever, the MTA announced they are selling ad space on the front of MetroCards.
The MTA first introduced the signature golden MetroCards in 1995, and the transit agency first started selling full-color ad space on the back of the cards in 1997.
But the MTA has never sold the valuable front space of the ads — until now.
The MTA would not disclose pricing for advertising on the front of MetroCards, but said that space would be offered at a premium. Advertisers can buy space on the backs of MetroCards for anywhere from 18 to 51 cents per card, depending on the quantity of cards purchased, and ad campaigns have ranged from as little as $25,500 to as high as $450,000.
How soon can we start seeing the ads?
According to MTA spokesman Aaron Donovan, advertisers can start buying the ad space today, and the cards will start being distributed as early as September.
The MTA has made no secret it wants to expand its advertising, and launches ads on the interior and exterior of trains, as well as full train wraps and sells digital ads outside the subway system.
The agency says increasing ad sales are a way of raising badly needed revenue.
