MBTA reconsiders alcohol ad ban

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October 22, 2015

Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MTBA) officials recently heard from transit ad conglomerate Intersection (newly-merged Titan360 and Control Group) about ways to close the agency's $242 million deficit. One of those revenue-generating ideas? Reversal of the MBTA voluntary ban on alcohol advertisements.

This, despite the number of young children and youth who ride the T every day, including students who ride it to and from school, and the known risks and harm to youth from increased exposure to alcohol advertising.

In terms of ramping up revenue to close the MBTA deficit gap, alcohol advertising might generate a barely-there $1.3 million, less than 1% of the deficit.

We join former Massachusetts First Lady Kitty Dukakis, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, The Harvard Crimson, and many local community organizations in opposing a reversal of the MBTA alcohol advertising ban. The MBTA shouldn't throw the health and safety of youth under a bus covered with alcohol ads.

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