Worst TTC ads ever?

June 30, 2006 - Who would have thought that the TTC could come up with ads that are worse than last year's legendary "buses as aliens over the moon" poster (see right)? But to everyone's surprise, their latest campaign to stop littering on subways and buses has produced yet another series of unimaginative, poorly designed posters that left riders wondering if they had been designed by a bunch of high school students (frankly, I'm pretty sure high school students may even do a better job!).

Littering is a big problem on the TTC - some of the trains at the end of the day are just gross. I don't know if it's because the TTC has cut budgets to its cleaning staff or whether Torontonians have simply forgotten what trash cans are for (I suspect the latter), but it's embarrassing to declare our city "world class" while our transit system is dirty and smelly. Seriously, how difficult is it to put your garbage into one of the many trash cans found throughout the stations? and does it really take that much effort to put your newspaper into the recycling bin?

While I applaud the TTC for addressing the littering issue, there has to be a more creative way than to play the guilt card and say "you wouldn't do this at home". And what's the deal with the garbage goblin?? Is it supposed to be cute?

Take a look at these ads designed by the World Toilet Organization (yes, there is such a group!). The ads aren't spectacular but they are at least a little more creative (they are also a little gross too). I'm no expert in advertising, but if the ads were designed to reach the average passenger like me, let's just say they have failed to inspire.