Chicago CTA x Apple: Subsidized Subways

Public transportation in the United States is notoriously underfunded and often reflects that fact.  Take NYC’s second avenue subway expansion — years in the making, it was proposed in 1929, planned in 1949, and as of today is still in development.  Maintenance and routine operations therefore take precedence over expansion and innovation.  In a move to free up some money towards backlogs and forward progress, the city of Chicago is reportedly in talks with Apple to sponsor the renovation and improvement of its North and Clybourn Station.  If successful, the city would net four million dollars from the deal, while Apple would maintain primary advertising rights to the station. In a somewhat perpendicular move to the naming rights for sports stadiums, this initiative is noteworthy for having a tangible return for its users.

[via 2nd Avenue Sagas | image via Michael Brownlee]