Morning Roundup: Goodbye, Abe Edition
Vegetate to Close at the End of the Month
D.C. Police Seek Suspect in Series of Bank Robberies
Suspect in 9-Year-Old's Murder Found Dead in D.C. Jail
Wizards Owner Abe Pollin Dies at 85
If you're riding the Orange Line today, you may come across metrorail's first ad-wrapped train car. And which advertiser will you see sprawled out on the side of the train car? McDonald's.
But don't worry "Super Size Me" fans, you won't see a Big Mac. Fries won't be there either. It's a healthier option:
Locally, McDonald's is working with Metro in their efforts to generate additional revenue as the first advertiser as they launch the new Fruit & Walnut Premium Salad.
From what we can tell, McDonald's Balanced, Active Lifestyles ambassadors won't be on hand for the unveiling at the New Carrollton metrorail station this morning. When the Fruit & Walnut Premium Salad premiered "Destiny's Child, Venus Williams, Bob Greene, Dr. Rovenia Brock and Dayanara Torres were on hand to help McDonald's executives walk the 'green' carpet as they debuted our newest addition to the popular and great tasting Premium Salad line. Donna Richardson-Joyner, well known fitness enthusiast, energized the crowd just before the announcement."
We know there are plenty of people out there who don't want to see metrorail trains wrapped in ads. If you had to pick an advertiser, who would you like to see?
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Borf.
GUCCI! GUCCI! GUCCI!
The most ridiculous thing about flooding the Metro system with more numerous and more intrusive ads is the insignicant amount of money being brought in. Last year I read one of the Post articles about the plan and took the maximum yearly revenue claimed by the ad proponents, assuming they got everything (ad-wrapped trains, in-tunnel animated ads, and video monitors playing ads inside the trains), and divided by the number of passenger trips per year.
The result? The high-end estimate was 3 cents per passenger trip. I would much rather pay another nickel than trash the Metro further with annoying advertising.
Also, about the ad-wrapped trains specifically: Didn't we already try this with buses a few years back? That failed. Why should it be any more successful with trains?
I think anyone in Congress that accepts corporate contributions should be required to wear the donors ad or logo on their power suit.
They could plaster some ads on the huge amount of wall space in the stations while they're at it. I mean, there's something to be said for the pristine look, but desperate times, etc. etc.
As far as "train-wrapped" ads go, I think Trojan or Durex could come up with some very effective campaigns. Just watch those long six-car trains sliding into the tunnels, and you'll see what I mean.
I'll second Trojan. (We all need just a bit of protection.)
Apple (Wouldn't you rather be listening to your iPod?)
IKEA (Nothing makes you feel better than thinking you commute has "some assembly required".)
RNC & DNC (Big flapping ears on the front of the train, and an ass at the end.)
WalMart (You're country brought to you by China.)
The worst part of that article was the info that Metro is considering tv monitors in busses and trains to play news, sports and of course...commericals.
Good god, don't they know the best thing about Metro is that no one talks to each other, it's quiet and you can actually read in peace.
If I wanted an All News All the Time commute and dozens of commercials to boot, I might as well drive. At least then I can choose which channel to listen to.
Personally, all and any ads are fine with me. they may work out to .03 per person, but as a total sum they could be used for improvements, or getting rid of the carpets. If it will improve metro's overall finances, I have no problem with it. Is there a consensus that Metro has less advertising than any other (US) subway system?