By Matt Chaban 12/14/12 3:10pm

Planes Trains & Automobiles

Take me to your subway. (MTA)

That MetroCard Is Going to Cost $2.50, But at Least It Comes With a Free Audiobook

It now looks almost certain that the Metrocard is going up to $2.50 next week, with monthlies costing $112, up from $104, at least that is what MTA chief Joe Lhota is recommending in a letter he sent to the board yesterday [PDF]. But at least we will be getting a little something for that extra coin—free audiobooks.

The MTA announced today that it is continuing its front-of-Metrocard ad campaign, which kicked off in October with Metrocards bearing Gap ads on them. Those doubled as 15 percent-off coupons heralding the arrival of the budget clothier’s new Herald Square flagship. Now, Audible will be taking up some prime MTA real estate with Metrocard ads, including a code for a free audiobook. Read More

By Sarah Grothjan 5:26pm

Metro Makeover

20 Photos

metrocard2

MTA Swipes for Money: Agency Bringing Back Metrocard Ads

The MTA is soon going out with the old (and overpriced) in an attempt to maximize its ad space. The old we’re referring to is the signature face of the MetroCard, which will be cashing in its blue and gold aesthetics in lieu of an ad from any number of advertisers.

Companies can now purchase space on the front of the card at a premium, and the ad space on the back will be available at a lower rate–18 to 51 cents per card, varying by quantity (this works out to about $25,500 to $450,000 a pop). Read More