Apple may pay millions to 'dominate' CTA station

Long recognized as one of America's savviest -- and most splashy -- advertisers, Apple Inc. is looking to seal another flashy pact with the CTA.

A CTA spokeswoman confirmed that the transit authority is in talks with the computer and iPhone behemoth about a deal that could net the cash-strapped CTA as much as $4 million in funding from Apple to pay for an upgrade of the run-down subway station at North and Clybourn, which is adjacent to an Apple retail store now under construction and expected to open next year.

In exchange for its millions, Apple would receive first dibs on any and all advertising that eventually goes up at the rehabbed subway stop, which would allow Apple to create what is known as a "station domination" advertising effect at the North and Clybourn station.

But the CTA spokeswoman said it was unlikely Apple's marketing deal with the transit authority would extend to naming rights for the subway stop. There's no date yet for when the station rehab could begin.

Lewis Lazare