By Jonathan Baker and Jessica Altman, EGC’s Senior Media Buyer Is your brand or business based (or have reach) in New York or New Jersey? Do you use ‘transit advertising’—visible in buses, trains, subways, stations, benches, and other places connected with public transportation—for promotion? If you said “yes” to both questions, be aware that 2026 is ‘the year of transit advertising,’ where there will be countless opportunities for your brand to get noticed. Why this year? Read on. Millions of Tourists This Summer Whether fate, coincidence, or some other reason, two colossal events will happen in New York and New Jersey this summer… One of the most anticipated sports competitions in recent memory is the FIFA World Cup, taking place in June. With eight matches capped off by a final game at MetLife Stadium, this event is expected to draw upwards of 1.2 million tourists. Then, for Fourth of July, the Sail4th 250 celebration will take place, where the tall ships will be welcomed to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Projections from NJBIZ state this event will draw 6 million tourists. Millions of tourists will visit the New York metropolitan area in June and July. Consequently, this means millions of opportunities for your brand to be noticed when these tourists travel by public transportation. Many brands and businesses owners are aware of this potential and are already planning their transit advertising strategies. High Demand Equals High Urgency According to Jessica Altman, Senior Media Buyer at EGC Group, car cards and rail placements are especially in high demand among brands looking to capitalize on boosting their visibility during the FIFA World Cup and Sail4th 250 celebrations. As Jessica states: “Transit advertising has always been effective, but 2026 presents a unique opportunity. With major events driving increased movement throughout New York and New Jersey, brands have a chance to show up consistently in high-visibility environments, which is why demand for rail and car card placements is already strong.” The time to act is therefore sooner (read: now) than later, as availability to purchase space for ad placement is becoming increasingly limited. Remember: Transit advertising has a special kind of influence. Transit Transforms Brand Awareness Transit ads impact sight and memory of a brand’s (literal) travels. Furthermore, car cards and rail placements are seen several times a week by thousands of commuters who travel by public transportation. The repetition of seeing the brand these ads are promoting will be remembered (even subconsciously) by these commuters. In short, brand recognition and awareness are strengthened by transit advertising. (Now you can understand why so many brands are rushing to purchase placements for this summer!) Takeaway Millions of tourists, soccer fans, and American History enthusiasts will visit the metropolitan area this summer. They will likely travel by subway, bus or train when attending the FIFA World Cup or Sail4th 250 (or both). They may notice a poster, car card, or rail placement of an ad promoting a brand’s products or services. Maybe this could be your brand’s products or services. Contact EGC—now—to learn how we can help. (And remember: With each passing day, availability for ad placements gets smaller.)
