The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) debuted a new electronic LED advertising display on the Metro Red Line subway in May, the first such system in North America.
L.A. Metro debuts digital subway advertising
First system in North America.
The two-year pilot project installed and operated by Sidetrack Technologies Inc., will display 15-second advertisements visible to passengers on northbound trains between the Hollywood/Highland and Universal City stations. Advertisers are expected to include film, television shows, retailers and other national advertisers.
The project will generate at least $240,000 per year in additional rail operating revenues for Metro. All fabrication, installation and maintenance costs are borne by Sidetrack Technologies.
The LED system is composed of 360 digital strips that light up at timed intervals as the train passes the subway wall, blending together to form a smooth-flowing video presentation. The system will be controlled remotely via Internet from Sidetrack’s headquarters in Winnipeg, Canada. It has the capability to rotate ads and show different ads at certain times of the day or specific ads for passengers going in different directions.
The test ad featured a preview of the Warner Brothers movie “Speed Racer.” Digital tunnel advertising displays have been installed in other international cities, including London, Singapore and Beijing.
More Management

Inez Evans Benson on Rethinking Transit Through Customer Experience
The WSP leader discusses why agencies must look beyond satisfaction metrics and take a more holistic, community-driven approach to service.
Read More →
Alstom Delivers First Multilevel III NJ TRANSIT Commuter Railcar
The delivery marks the first car in a 374‑vehicle order and begins the arrival of a new generation of higher‑capacity, more reliable, and more comfortable trains for one of the country’s busiest commuter rail systems.
Read More →
Cincinnati Metro Begins Countywide Bus Stop Sign Upgrade
Metro launches a 24-month project to replace 3,700 bus stop signs, introducing improved visibility, QR-enabled rider info, and expanded amenities across Hamilton County.
Read More →
San Francisco's BART Breaks Multiple Records for Post-Pandemic Ridership in March
BART recorded 5,403,140 exits in March, making it the highest monthly ridership since the pandemic and surpassing the previous high set in October 2025 (5,346,890 exits).
Read More →
Transit Leader Rod Diridon Sr., ‘Father of Modern Transit’ in Silicon Valley, Dies at 87
See how the longtime public servant and transportation visionary helped shape Bay Area transit systems and championed rail development nationwide.
Read More →
Intercity Bus Industry Outlook: A Mix of Apprehension & Optimism
Industry leaders see both promise and peril ahead as intercity bus travel rebounds, but unpredictable market forces threaten to reshape the sector.
Read More →
Philadelphia's SEPTA Celebrates New Ardmore Station
The station was rebuilt as part of SEPTA’s Station Accessibility Program, making it fully ADA accessible with new elevators, ramps, and high-level platforms.
Read More →
SEPTA Releases Proposed $2.7B Fiscal Year 2027 Budget
The plan represents an increase of just 1.9% over the current year, and includes investments in new buses, more full-length fare gates, and other enhancements for customers.
Read More →
Metra Reaches New 10-Year Agreement with BNSF
The announcement highlights the long-standing partnership between the Class I railroad and the commuter rail system, dating back to Metra's creation in 1983.
Read More →
Bus Tech Talk: AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Leadership, Mentorship, and a Career in Transit
In Part 1, Blandon shares his journey from the U.S. Marines to a leadership role in public transit, along with insights on mentorship and professional growth within the industry.
Read More →
