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CTA Revises Advertising Policy, Expands Co‑Promotional Trades to Raise Revenue; Board Places Items on Omnibus
Summary
CTA staff proposed an updated advertising policy to increase revenue (estimated +$300,000/year), easing some geographic restrictions on alcohol advertising while retaining protections for high‑student‑ridership stations and explicitly prohibiting religious ads. The board committee also approved amended co‑promotional trades with the city's Fleet & Facilities Management and DCASE.
CTA staff presented a package of advertising and co‑promotional items on April 8 intended to expand revenue opportunities while clarifying restrictions for protected locations.
Tom (staff) told directors the proposed advertising policy replaces a 2013 policy and aims to increase system‑generated revenue, estimating about $300,000 in additional annual revenue from the changes. The update removes some geographic restrictions on alcohol advertising along rail while continuing to prohibit alcohol ads at stations with higher than 7.5% student ridership; it also caps train wraps and bus wraps at less than 4% and 3.8% of their respective fleets and limits alcohol ads to under 10% of total ad space.
The updated policy also makes explicit that CTA property is a non‑public forum and prevents ads that "take a position on any public issue," including ads that promote religion. Directors asked about categories such as anti‑hate speech and political advertising; staff said the policy currently restricts public‑issue and political ads and will return with further review if the board wants to explore revenue from public‑issue advertising.
Separately, the committee considered two amended co‑promotional trade agreements. One amendment with the city's Fleet & Facilities Management (2FM) adds $211,047.50 in trade value (new total ≈ $604,000) to expand printing, installation and digital ad network access including up to 300 static shelter panels and digital campaigns. Another routine annual co‑promotion with the Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events (DCASE) will continue at a trade value of $807,500 in exchange for promotion at 15 city events. Both items were placed on the omnibus and recommended for board approval.
Directors emphasized protecting stations with high student ridership and asked staff to report back on whether political or public‑issue advertising could be allowed as a revenue source while preserving current restrictions.
