Dallas — Shrink Wrapped Streetcars

February 2015

The Mcinney Avenue Transit Authority [MATA] in Dallas is generating revenue with overall ad wraps for its heritage streetcars, the Dallas Morning News reports. But not everyone is pleased. Real estate agent Rober Cole said: “They spent all that money refurbishing those cars and now they’ve lost the historic look and charm. People told me they think the trolleys just look like buses now.”

According to MATA CEO Phil Cobb the advertising will provide $125,000 revenue this year for ads covering two of the line's six cars. Reaction from residents is mixed. The group's board will decide whether to continue the program beyond the initial three year period.

The controversy comes as trolley officials prepare to open a much-delayed loop into downtown. Construction on the 1-mile extension to the existing 2.8-mile system is nearing completion, with the first test runs scheduled for February. If all goes well ... a soft opening for the new route could begin as early as April 1.