CTA to triple digital advertising network

The Chicago Transit Authority's (CTA) board yesterday approved a five-year contract with Intersection to manage advertisements across CTA's rail system and continue efforts to earn revenue from sources other than fares.

The agreement calls for Intersection to install 775 digital screens across CTA’s rail system, nearly tripling the 425 digital screens now installed, CTA officials said in a press release. The installation will include large format displays, in-station and street level screens, interactive digital kiosks and a digital advertising display in every CTA station. 

The contract, which begins on Jan. 1, has an estimated value of up to $247.5 million, including:

• $204.6 million in shared revenue, with $187 million guaranteed to CTA;
• $30.3 million in capital investment in new digital screens by Intersection; and
• $12.6 million investment in software upgrades to run digital advertising screens that also display rider information.

During the agency’s 12-year partnership with Intersection (formerly known as Titan), CTA ad revenue increased from $17.2 million in 2010 to at least $32.4 million in 2019.