Subway trains to push tourism in New York state

New York’s effort to bolster tourism throughout the state will get help from the MTA.

The Grand Central-Times Square shuttle got the full “I Love NY” advertising treatment, with interior and full exterior ads, MTA and state tourism officials unveiled Monday.

The fall and winter tourism campaign will focus on attracting visitors to the areas outside the city that Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North serve, as well as bringing upstate residents to the five boroughs.

MTA chief Thomas Prendergast said the promotion would benefit local economies and get more riders to use rail and train service.

“Promoting leisure travel throughout our transit network is one more way the MTA powers the regional economy,” Prendergast said in a statement about the campaign.

In addition to covering the Times Square shuttle, there will be 6,400 posters on platforms, subways and buses, and video advertising at more than 100 station entrances.

And in case there is any concern that the MTA was spending extra money on advertising, the governor’s office said the state’s tourism budget is funding the campaign.