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The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation(BMTC) introduced  Volvo buses a few years back. The fleet of buses has grown rapidly since then and so is the popularity amongst commuters. And with advertisers as well.

At first it was the outsides of the BMTC bus that could be used as a mobile outdoor advertising medium; later it was the insides with branded hand-grips and posters. The latest I got to see today are touchscreen tablets on the back of few seats -  ala aeroplane types.

The device seems to be an android based tablet integrated into the seat as part of an auxillary headrest. Not very pretty but nicely done. In an idle state the device runs full screen ads - I got to see ads of Tata DOCOMO.

In an active state when its being used to browse the menu, play a game or access the internet the screen provides space for regular banner ads at the bottom. I couldnt verify if the ads were "clickable". What I saw as banner ads werent really of good quality - reminded me of the marquee ads that you get to see on the local cable channels on TV.

The device and the internet service are free to use provided you share your name, email and mobile number. An activation code is sent via SMS to the number you provide. So the entire setup could work as an innovative lead generation platform or just as a display unit if no one is using it.

It's innovative but has very little footprint now; in my last one month of bus journey ( two trips a day ) I have got to see these just once.