Why don’t they post ads on the support beams anymore?

[Deucey 1,543]

You know, between the express and local tracks at local stations. They used to (see those rectangular frames over some of the piping); other transit systems do (or like MARTA, use similar for the station names).

Why not now? 

[Cabanamaner 152]

3 hours ago, Deucey said:

You know, between the express and local tracks at local stations. They used to (see those rectangular frames over some of the piping); other transit systems do (or like MARTA, use similar for the station names).

Why not now? 

I believe what you’re referring to are those old IND black-on-white signs on the columns warning people not to stand close to the platform edge. Those weren’t ads, and I don’t believe ads have ever been placed on columns in the NYC subway. Other systems have them for sure. As for the IND signs, a few still exist around the system, albeit covered under decades of grime and dust. 

[bobtehpanda 5,110]

18 hours ago, Deucey said:

You know, between the express and local tracks at local stations. They used to (see those rectangular frames over some of the piping); other transit systems do (or like MARTA, use similar for the station names).

Why not now? 

The subway doesn't really have access walkways in those areas and the system runs 24/7. There's no safe way to switch physical ads, or in the case of digital do maintenance on them, and do we really need GOs because the MTA wants to show you a different Bud Light ad?

[MHV9218 4,321]

What went between pillars (besides enamel signs) were usually warning notices, printed in the "Oppy" style and telling riders to avoid littering or prevent fires. They were notices that could sit for a few years if not a decade and still convey up-to-date information. To my knowledge, the only example of real advertising in or around the track bed was in the days of the early elevateds, when ads were installed under the platforms to face straphangers on the other side. That didn't last much beyond the 1920s or 1930s, if even that. As for the diminished use of track bed notices/advertisements? Likely safely as mentioned but mainly appearance: there's so much steel dust kicked up there in even a few months that any notice grows filthy–if not illegible–almost as quickly as it's installed. The proof is in the former-white of new third rail covers, or the rare cleaned up pillar signs (West 4th) that quickly turn grey and black again.