MTA allows advertisements on front of MetroCards

For the first time in 15 years, commuters could see something other than the standard blue and gold design on their MetroCards. The MTA is now allowing advertisements on the front of the cards, after having previously allowed ads on the back. The Gap is the first retail brand to appear on the cards' front, along with a 20-percent discount for shoppers on the back. Officials say all types of ads will be accepted, including political ads. It will cost at least $20,000 to advertise on more than $2 million cards. The idea of the newly designed MetroCards has been welcomed by commuters so far. Straphangers at the Bay Parkway Station in Bensonhurst tell News 12 Brooklyn that the different pictures on the front of the cards will help them keep track of their regular and unlimited MetroCards.