The Santa Train

[editor]

I was digging through some old photos today and came across some snaps of the "Santa Train." Every year the Chicago Transit Authority runs a subway train completely decked out inside and out with Christmas lights, garland, ornaments, and CTA employees giving away free candy canes.

The train runs across the whole system no matter how cold it gets, which is pretty remarkable considering that most of the Chicago subway system is actually elevated, and with the trains going 30 miles an hour in sub-zero temperatures, Santa must have a pretty good heater. I mean that seriously because in the middle of the subway train is a flatbed car with Santa's sleigh on it and a real live Santa throwing candy to the children at each station.

It was almost canceled last year because of budget problems, but there was such a public outcry that the CTA managed to scrape up the $30,000 it takes to run the train for the season.

It's really a very strange, very interesting example of the kind of public relations a transit company can do to interest children in mass transit at an early age and make them not afraid of it when they grow older. Metro should have one, too.

[SpringTX]

I was digging through some old photos today and came across some snaps of the "Santa Train."  Every year the Chicago Transit Authority runs a subway train completely decked out inside and out with Christmas lights, garland, ornaments, and CTA employees giving away free candy canes...It's really a very strange, very interesting example of the kind of public relations a transit company can do to interest children in mass transit at an early age and make them not afraid of it when they grow older.  Metro should have one, too.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think a Houston "Santa Train" would have to have a more Houston flavor. I'm seeing the floor of the car being a giant sandbox, for example. And fake palm trees everywhere. Maybe a cactus or two. I'm envisioning maybe a wooden replica storefront of a building from an ancient Middle Eastern village. Maybe some of those burlap sacks of sand with candles that are placed along the streets during Latino celebrations of Christmas. It would be a tropical desert/beach Christmas that harked ancient Jerusalem, Cancun, and Galveston seamlessly. While it would have some quasi-religious overtones, nothing would be too overt as to cause massive public outrcry: for example, no manger or wise men. Santa would be hardly recognizable: he'd be decked out in some kind of beach attire, with sandals of course, and a tan, and he'd be wearing a cowboy hat. I guess the white beard would be the dead giveaway that he was Santa. And he would hand out candy canes and say "Ho ho ho...howdy pardner" or whatever. All in all, it would be a somewhat culturally twisted experience, much like the city herself.

[editor]

Maybe Metro could start a Cincy De Mayo train and offer free rides on that day.

I guess the point that I'm making is that Metro needs to start marketing it to young people. Kids who will some day become commuters and have to make the decision whether to drive to work or take a train or bus. The fact is that taking a train or a bus is very scary for a lot of people who live in the suburbs. Playing to the kids is a way to start breaking down that fear.

Here's another idea: Each Christmas Metro should have a model Metro toy train available for sale. The Hess oil company used to do this. Every Christmas there would be a slight variation in the truck (box truck, tanker, etc...) and little boys would always look forward to getting a Hess truck each year. It became a tradition for many families. Metro could do something like that. Of course, some people would freak out if Metro got into merchandising, so they could make it a charity thing, giving the proceeds to some charity in the Medical Center each year. Bam! Double PR points. Kids become familiar with your product, learn to like it, lose their fear, and become future riders while some charity cleans up. Sounds like a win-win-win.

[Talbot]

Those are some pretty good ideas editor, I agree that metro does need to start advertising to a younger crowd especially in a city like Houston where they would normally want to drive everywhere.

And, that santa must have a pretty good holiday salary.

[editor]

He's union.

[CDeb]

All good ideas worthy of consideration.

Also, keep in mind that nothing will make METRO and trains more attractive to families and young people more than having trains, platforms and parking areas that are clean and free of crime.

[lowspark]

All good ideas worthy of consideration.

Also, keep in mind that nothing will make METRO and trains more attractive to families and young people more than having trains, platforms and parking areas that are clean and free of crime.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

.... and taking you from where you are to where you need to be.

I agree -- great ideas editor! I don't see anything wrong with Metro instituting a little self promotion.