A Plea for Ad-Free Public Transit in Seattle

Alright, Seattle, let’s talk about something that’s been grindin’ my gears lately: those freakin’ ad kiosks they’re planning to put up downtown and those dang window-obscuring bus wraps that are totally killin’ my vibe. Seriously, King County Metro, can we rethink this whole situation?

I know, I know, this might seem kinda trivial compared to like, world hunger or whatever. But hear me out, because I think this stuff actually matters.

Ad Kiosks: Not a Good Look, Seattle

Remember that plan we had for transit shelters with actual amenities? You know, the ones that would’ve been super useful for everyone? Well, scrap that, because now we’re gettin’ ad kiosks instead.

Here’s the deal: the city had a chance to partner with a company that would’ve built us fancy new transit shelters with all the bells and whistles – charging stations, you name it. But instead, they went with a way scaled-down version that’s basically just a bunch of ad kiosks with minimal revenue for the city.

And the worst part? They got rid of all the useful stuff, like those charging stations I mentioned. Let’s be real, folks, that’s not a coincidence. It feels kinda messed up to design public infrastructure in a way that intentionally excludes certain groups of people, don’t ya think?

Can’t We Just, Like, Not Have Ads Everywhere?

Okay, hot take: I’m kinda over ads being everywhere I look. Like, seriously, can’t a person just exist in public without being bombarded by billboards, pop-ups, and now, freakin’ ad kiosks?

We’re told that advertising is this necessary evil, right? That it’s what keeps the economy humming and brings us cheaper products and all that jazz. But honestly, how much of what we buy is actually stuff we need versus stuff we’re being manipulated into wanting? It feels like a giant waste of resources, both in terms of the actual materials used to create all this advertising and the mental energy we expend tuning it out.

Look, I get it. Advertising pays for a lot of stuff, including things we actually like. But maybe that’s part of the problem. Maybe relying on a system where companies have to constantly hawk their wares just to keep the lights on is a sign that something’s fundamentally flawed. Just sayin’.

Imagine a world where information about goods and services was shared in a way that was actually useful and informative, not just manipulative and anxiety-inducing. Wouldn’t that be something?

Back to the Buses: Windows Are Meant to Be Seen Through

Alright, enough about those dang kiosks. Let’s talk about our beloved (or maybe not-so-beloved, depending on the day) buses. Specifically, those window-obscuring bus wraps that have become all the rage lately.

Here’s a revolutionary thought: windows are meant to be seen through. I know, I know, mind-blowing stuff, right? But seriously, think about it. One of the simple joys of riding the bus is getting to watch the world go by. It’s like a free sightseeing tour!

My little girl, she loves lookin’ out the bus windows. Seeing her face light up when a dog walks by or a firetruck goes screaming past – it’s pure magic. But when those windows are covered in ads? Forget about it. It’s like trapping her in a moving billboard. And frankly, it’s kinda depressing.

And it’s not just about aesthetics, either. Clear windows are important for navigation. Being able to see street signs, landmarks, and, you know, where the heck you are is pretty crucial when you’re relying on public transit.

Albuquerque Did It, So Can We!

You know what’s really wild? Albuquerque actually banned these window-obscuring bus ads a few years back. Yeah, you heard that right. They decided that clear windows were a matter of public safety (because, duh) and that their transit system deserved to look clean and professional. And guess what? The world didn’t end!

Come on, Seattle City Council, let’s get our act together. This isn’t rocket science. It’s about prioritizing the well-being of our residents and creating a transit system that’s actually enjoyable to use.

But How Will We Pay for Public Transit? Let’s Get Creative!

Now, before anyone starts yelling about lost revenue, let’s be real for a sec. King County Metro definitely makes some money from those bus wraps. But not all bus wraps are created equal. There are plenty of designs out there that allow for advertising without turning our buses into rolling vision blockers. We just gotta be smarter about it.

And look, I’m not naive. I know that Metro needs serious funding to achieve its long-term goals of expanding service and making transit a viable option for everyone. But let’s be honest, the amount of money they’re raking in from these window-obscuring ads is a drop in the bucket compared to what they actually need.

We need a comprehensive funding plan for public transit that doesn’t rely on sacrificing the basic functionality and aesthetic appeal of our buses. Clear windows are a small price to pay for a better transit experience for everyone.

Seattle, We Can Do Better!

So, there you have it. My impassioned plea for ad-free (or at least ad-reasonable) public transit in Seattle. Look, I know it might seem like a small thing, but sometimes it’s the small things that matter most. Let’s create a city that prioritizes the well-being of its residents, a city where we can enjoy the simple pleasure of watching the world go by from the window of a bus. Is that really too much to ask?