Advertising in subway cars

I've come to realize how incredibly effective subway car advertising is. I take the subway everyday to school. Perhaps the only thing that keeps an awkward subway ride somewhat comfortable is being able to read the advertisements on the train, instead of having to stare at a stranger directly in front of you. Everyone checks out the ads on the subway, whether it's a 2 minute ride or a 30 min. ride, you will almost definitely look around you in the car.

Whereas overrated ads at Times Square get lost in clutter and you're lucky if you remember just one, subway trains serve as a perfect location for the advertiser to address you directly and almost personally- wherein you are almost sitting down for him, listening to what he has to say and giving him your time to present you with this information. It's a tragedy that bigger companies have not realized this incredible potential because for the most part, it is the smaller ventures- like the "Learn English Lessons" and lawyer offices- that are most common in subway car advertisement. Although, I am beginning to see larger companies like Armani Exchange, Google, and major liquor companies take advantage of the opportunity.

Most effective are the all-out decorated subway cars that are fully designed inside as well as outside to carry the product information. These are hard to miss. Still, I recall seeing a subway car painted blue with a bunch of flowers on it, and while yes it was very noticeable, the name of the brand was lost in it and I found myself questioning what was actually being advertised. Wasted attempt.

So what is my point?
        Take advantage of subway car advertising, and don't let the brand message get lost in the ad design.