While we are not advocating that any transit agencies follow this model, using some outrageous perks to attract riders to transit is a good idea. Some transit agencies offer perks that many potential/choice riders would embrace if they had any idea they existed. In working on an Amtrak-related project it was surprising to me that informal interviews turned up so many non-riders that had no idea they could grab a snack (or a drink) from a cafe/dining car, or plug their laptop into their own regular outlet.
Many subway/train stations feature small shops, newsstands and even restaurants. It’s rare, though, to see these features advertised on station pages or maps. For example, if you want to know about Baltimore’s Penn Station (which does have a newsstand) you either have the limited Amtrak page or, even better, the Wikipedia page.
That being said, there are a few transit agencies that take this a bit far. According to Metro.co.uk (via Yesterday’s Salad) the Sophia, Bulgaria transit agency has started advertising an… ahem… enhanced service:
Soft porn films are being shown on giant video screens at a bus station in Bulgaria.
The plasma TVs at the terminus in the capital Sofia show bus times during the day but switch to porn at night.
A station spokesman said: ‘We wanted to give the passengers something to take their minds off the cold and to pass the time while waiting for a bus.’
While we give the Bulgarians an A+ for effort, we’re not sure it’s the safest idea. As the article mentions, people are complaining that security guards have stopped watching for criminals.
That being said, some stations do run news/weather/sports through their television sets. Imagine how much of a draw Sportscenter would be for commuters who might otherwise be stuck in their car with only a radio.
Transit agencies should take advice from the adult film industry: If you’ve got it, flaunt it.
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