Metro News Release
For immediate release: May 9, 2005
Metro unveils wrapped passenger rail cars on the Orange Line
McDonald’s of Greater Washington, D.C., joins Metrorail as the first advertiser to wrap passenger trains in Metrorail’s 29-year history
As part of its continuing effort to generate non-passenger revenue through specialized advertising initiatives, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) and the McDonald’s Family Restaurants of Greater Washington, D.C., today jointly unveiled Metro’s first-ever wrapped passenger rail cars at the New Carrollton Metrorail Orange Line station.
The two passenger rail cars will operate on the Orange Line for three months as part of a six-car train set. The cars, wrapped in bright green and red vinyl coating, showcase McDonald’s Fruit & Walnut Premium Salad. The Fruit & Walnut Premium Salad is a combination of crisp sliced red and green apples and plump red seedless grapes, with a side of low-fat vanilla yogurt and a packet of candied Diamond walnuts to sprinkle on top.
"We are pleased to be working with McDonald’s on the unveiling of these new ad-wrapped rail cars that will be operating on Metro’s Orange Line starting today," said Leona Agouridis, Metro’s Assistant General Manager for Customer Communications. "The implementation of wrapped rail cars is another example of how Metro is working to identify creative ways to increase our revenues during these very difficult financial times. The additional revenue generated from this program will help pay for customer service improvements to the passenger information display monitors inside the rail system."
McDonald’s distinctive arches are located on the exteriors of the passenger car doors beneath the windows. The windows on the rail cars and the front of the lead car have a "screened" coating so passengers can see through them.
Metro officials have accepted the wrapped train advertising on a trial basis due to the tight fiscal realities of the region. McDonald’s is paying Metro $54,000 for the right to advertise on the exterior of the train.
"Now Metro passengers will literally be able to catch a ’fruit buzz’ on the Orange Line," said Isaac Green, a local McDonald’s Owner/Operator. "McDonald’s understands the need for a balanced, active lifestyle. The Fruit & Walnut Premium Salad is an exciting new choice for customers throughout their busy day."
Metro currently generates about $29 million annually through Metrobus and Metrorail advertising initiatives. In an effort to generate additional revenue, Metro is pursuing several new initiatives in the future including installing automated teller machines inside the Metrorail system; advertising inside Metrorail tunnels; and installing video monitor displays inside Metrorail trains and buses. Locally, McDonald’s is working with Metro in its efforts to generate additional revenue as the first advertiser.
News release issued on May 9, 2005.