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Backseat Advertising

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On a recent trip to New York City I jumped in the back of a cab only to find a touch screen television in the back of the drivers seat. Not living in an area where I usually take cabs to get around, I was really intrigued by this idea. To be honest, I was most excited because it gave me something to look at and was a nice distraction from the horrible, jerky ride that was making me feel nervous and sick.

A backseat taxi kiosk. Photo credit: gizmodo.com

A backseat taxi kiosk. Photo credit: gizmodo.com

What a great way to keep a rider entertained!  Your cab fare, the time, maps, weather, news and even Zagat ratings were instantly available in seconds by touching the screen. However, if you chose not to push anything, you were inundated by one short commercial after another. The touch screens engage the passenger, while capitalizing on a captive audience!

I found myself completely fixed on commercials about mattress deliveries right to my door (even though I have a heavenly bed at home) and how I could get the New York Times for 50% off! The kicker about these backseat televisions is there is no mute or off button, you MUST watch or listen no matter what!

Backseat advertising: genius or infuriating? No matter what you think… you are sure to pay attention to it!

Post Your Comments

  • CharlesBenoit

    Infuriating.
    Even though I’m in the biz, I know that time away from ads is a good thing. For one, it makes you more receptive to the ads you see later. I can understand the novelty factor playing a role, but when I saw this device in a cab, it turned me right off to anything that was being shown. Just because I’m captive doesn’t mean I want to be a captive audience.

  • DeannaVarble

    Genius. Captive audience, bored audience, audience with enough money to take a cab. And I’m with you in that I’d want something to do in the cab. Sure, I could talk to the cabbie – but only if they are cool. And I LOVE the idea of the Zagat ratings. A GPS that shows me the city as I go – I might find some place new to hit later. (As well as knowing the cabbie isn’t kidnapping me.)

    Honestly – so long as it’s done tastefully and not along the lines of those mega-blinking sidebar banner ads asking me to apply for my free credit report, I am happy. The only thing better would be if I got in the Cash Cab.

  • KaraAustin

    I’m with Charles on this one. This is on par with commercials in movie theaters for me.

  • ddenberg

    So does that mean Dr. Ruth, Henny Youngman, etc., who so considerately reminded passengers to buckle their seatbelts, have been kicked to the curb?

  • CharlesBenoit

    I guess they weren’t as buckled in as they thought they were.

  • rittlove

    I think this is an awesome idea….the tv’s are distracting which is a good think when your in a cab in the city.