NYC MetroCards now feature advertisements for the very first time

New York City's transit card MetroCard displaying a front-facing ad went on sale for the first time this month.

The MetroCards with the ad are the first in more than 15 years to feature anything other than the familiar gold design with blue lettering spelling "MetroCard."

The ad appearing on the cards was purchased by Gap and reads: "Be Bright NYC" with multicolored letters on a navy blue background. It encourages New Yorkers to visit Gap's newly remodeled flagship store at 34th Street and Broadway starting October 10, 2012. Customers who present the MetroCard at any Gap store are entitled to a 20% discount on merchandise purchases through November 18, 2012.