METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

London transport's innovative advertising methods generate $195M

Strategies included introducing full-motion cross-platform screens, which customers can watch when standing on station platforms.

January 24, 2019
London transport's innovative advertising methods generate $195M

Transport for London's Baker Street Tube station was taken over by gnomes to celebrate the release of the Sherlock Gnomes film. Photo: TfL

2 min to read


Transport for London's Baker Street Tube station was taken over by gnomes to celebrate the release of the Sherlock Gnomes film. Photo: TfL

A new report revealed Transport for London generated more than $195 million in advertising revenue for the 2017/18 period. During this time, more than 16,000 advertisements ran on the TfL network.

As part of TfL's new growth strategy, advertising is one of the key ways that it is making the most of commercial opportunities and building revenue, according to the network.

Ad Loading...

TfL's advertising estate accounts for 20% of the UK's, and 40% of London's, outdoor advertising by value.

To improve opportunities for advertising, TfL has introduced 260 new full-motion screens across the London Underground network and 60 full-motion cross-platform screens, which customers can watch when standing on station platforms.

Outside of the Tube and rail network, TfL has installed 12 large digital landscape advertising screens at six key locations along London's main arterial roads.

The start of 2019 has also seen the first advertising campaigns going live on new digital "ribbons" at Tottenham Court Road, Piccadilly Circus and King's Cross St. Pancras Tube stations. Each consists of several aligned digital screens alongside escalators enabling an advertising campaign to seamlessly flow along the length of the escalator.

Experiential advertising opportunities were also par of the TfL platform, from brands such as Netflix covering the walls and ceilings at Oxford Circus and Old Street Tube stations for their Black Mirror and Stranger Things series, to Baker Street Tube station being taken over by gnomes to celebrate the release of the Sherlock Gnomes film.

Visa teamed up with TfL to honour the success of the England national football team at the World Cup in Russia and renamed Piccadilly line station Southgate to Gareth Southgate. Photo: TfL

Visa also teamed up with TfL to honour the success of the England national football team at the World Cup in Russia and renamed Piccadilly line station Southgate to Gareth Southgate, gaining global media coverage.

Ad Loading...

Leading advertisers are also using TfL's new segmentation data to engage its audience on the network. It overlays depersonalized and grouped data from smart ticketing with Experian Mosaic groups to give advertisers more in-depth information about the types of people that use our network.

As well as raising revenue, TfL is also supporting the Mayor's aim to create a healthier, more active London and in particular to tackle the problem of childhood obesity in London.

Following the results of the consultation on the Mayor's draft London Food strategy, it was confirmed that, from 25 February 2019, there will be restrictions on advertising food that is high in fat, salt or sugar on the TfL network.



More Management

Cover of a Strada 360 guide titled "Turn Transit Data Into Action: How to solve common transit agency pain points with connected technology." The cover features a blurred transit bus, a gray grid background with orange accents, and text describing how connected technology helps transit agencies improve visibility, operational efficiency, maintenance, scheduling, and data-driven decision-making. An orange callout highlights the challenges facing today's transit landscape.
SponsoredAugust 2, 2026

Turn Transit Data Into Action

Discover how leading agencies are using connected technology to gain real-time visibility across operations, improve service reliability, and reduce disruptions.

Read More →
An aerial image of SMU/Mockingbird Station with text reading "Transit-Oriented Development. Your Questions, Explained."
Managementby Elora HaynesAugust 1, 2026

What Transit-Oriented Development Means for the Future of Public Transportation

Once viewed primarily as transit operators, agencies are now leveraging land, partnerships, and long-term planning to boost ridership, expand housing, and strengthen communities.

Read More →
A graphic with an image of railroad track in the background and text reading: "$22 Million for Transit Innovation, Updates to High-Speed Rail Rules."
Managementby Staff and News ReportsJuly 31, 2026

USDOT Announces $22 Million for Transit Innovation, Updates High-Speed Rail Rules

New federal transit funding will support safety, accessibility, and technology projects as updated rail regulations establish new noise standards for high-speed trains.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A blue graphic with text reading "TCC Unveils Case Studies Ahead of Federal Funding Deadline."
Managementby Elora HaynesJuly 29, 2026

Transportation Construction Coalition Unveils Infrastructure Case Studies Ahead of Federal Funding Deadline

The coalition noted the next surface transportation bill should provide sustained investment in highways and public transit to strengthen freight movement, improve safety, and support economic growth.

Read More →
Fred Ferguson, President/CEO of the American Bus Association
Managementby Alex RomanJuly 29, 2026

People Movement: American Bus Association Extends Ferguson and More

METRO’s People Movement highlights the latest leadership changes, promotions, and personnel news across the public transit, motorcoach, and people mobility sectors.

Read More →
Driving Change: Award Winners Redefine Industry Standards
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsJuly 29, 2026

METRO Magazine Announces 2026 Innovative Solutions Awards Winners

Projects Recognized for Advancing Mobility Through Technology, Accessibility, Workforce Innovation, and Operational Excellence

Read More →
Ad Loading...
 An MBTA bus
Managementby StaffJuly 28, 2026

MBTA Rolls Out Pilot Programs to Cut Costs, Simplify Travel

Three new fare pilots — including unlimited two-hour transfers, reduced express bus fares, and free transit for eligible seniors — will launch this fall as Massachusetts extends popular commuter rail discounts through November.

Read More →
A public transit bus at a pedestrian crosswalk with text reading "Federal Transit Administration Makes $610 Million Available for Bus Projects."
Managementby StaffJuly 27, 2026

FTA Opens $610 Million Funding Opportunity for Bus Infrastructure Projects

The latest Notice of Funding Opportunity provides transit agencies with funding for bus facilities, fleet modernization, and low- and no-emission vehicles, with applications due September 21.

Read More →
A photo of an Amtrak train with a logo
Managementby Alex RomanJuly 24, 2026

Biz Briefs: STV teams with Amtrak, Motorcoach Operators Boost Fleet and Land Contracts, and More

From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
MBTA rail platform with people walking by.
Managementby Elora HaynesJuly 23, 2026

Massachusetts Approves $530M to Strengthen MBTA Operations, Infrastructure

The funding package targets operating stability, capital improvements, and fare affordability, offering a model for agencies navigating long-term funding challenges.

Read More →