Transforming Bus Shelters into Tweet-Activated Vending Machines: A Blueprint for Rail Advertising Innovation

How It Worked

Walkers ambassador Gary Lineker appeared on a digital screen inside bus shelter vending machines, casually reading War and Peace. Commuters who tweeted @Walkers_busstop would trigger an automatic response—Lineker seemingly "reacting" before dispensing free packets of Walkers crisps. The campaign was an instant success, turning an ordinary commute into a moment of entertainment and engagement. Watch it unfold here.

Could Rail Networks Be Next?

Experiential advertising thrives in high-footfall areas. Train stations are the perfect candidates for interactive campaigns—busy, dynamic, and filled with commuters looking for distraction. Imagine vending machines at platforms responding to passenger tweets or contactless ticket scanners unlocking exclusive rewards for travellers. Skratch’s expertise in real-time engagement could transform rail hubs into branded digital playgrounds. Beyond engagement, interactive vending machines in transport hubs present a strong commercial opportunity.

Skratch: Masters of Immersive Advertising

Skratch is renowned for shaping standout experiential campaigns, including:

• Sky Gig Fast Minions Campaign – A whimsical bus stop event that left commuters "blown away." Whirling air effects gave the illusion of extreme speed.

• Lucozade Sweat Sessions – A fitness-based campaign where commuters engaged in live-streamed exercised to earn refreshing Lucozade drinks. See it in action here.

Expanding Beyond Transport

Skratch’s creativity isn’t limited to travel hubs. Collaborating with Asda, Skratch helped launch the Lilo & Stitch - Chaos Has Landed campaign—a retail activation celebrating the upcoming live-action Lilo & Stitch movie, capturing the mischievous spirit of Disney's beloved character.

The Future of Public Transport Advertising?

With experiential campaigns proving their power to captivate audiences, could train stations be next? Imagine tweet-activated vending machines inside major railway hubs, scent machines to drive footfall for retail vendors or dynamic platform advertisements that interact with commuters in real time. Public transport is no longer just about getting from A to B—it’s about creating immersive brand experiences that entertain and engage travelers along the way. With Skratch, the potential for transport-based advertising innovation is boundless. Get in touch at hello@skratchav.com to explore the possibilities.