Parody Ad Campaign Appears in Subway Cars…Again!
New Yorkers all know how proud the MTA is of the beautiful stations built for the extension of the 2nd Avenue Subway. The MTA told us so. Governor Cuomo was photographed at the opening of the beautiful new stations. The price tag was high. You can see where the money went. The stations are magnificent.
But the idea of spending $4.5 billion on three beautiful stations—when the MTA acknowledges that the switching system, responsible for most delays, has not been updated in 40 years—left a bad taste for many.
Then the MTA did something that those with concerns about the cost found insulting. They spent additional money on an advertising campaign designed to tell the public how great the new extension was (example below).
The campaign profiled “random” citizens who live and work near the new extension, explaining how the extension had made their lives better. But someone must have felt the campaign was reaching a bit.
Last summer an alternate campaign started making appearances on the subway. It looked a lot like the original, but had a different approach. These were parody ads for the 2nd Avenue Subway which highlight less attractive factors of the extension. They draw attention to the expense of the upper Manhattan stations and the lack of service provided elsewhere.
This week updated parodies re-appeared in some cars referencing the possible rise in subway fares, the congestion pricing that was “needed” to avoid a fare jump, and the great tile work at the 2nd Avenue extension stations.
The ads have shown up on the 7, L, 4/5 and B/Q trains. We spoke to a couple of public servants along the latter subway lines in Brooklyn about their takes on the fakes.
City Councilmember (and Public Advocate candidate) Jumaane Williams:
“This campaign is a physical display of the frustrations many New Yorkers share when riding #CuomosMTA everyday,” said Williams. “While people like Gov. Cuomo like to make a big display in celebrating subway openings, they never step foot in the system until it’s politically necessary. We need to ensure that everyone in this city can get where they need to be, and that means electing leaders that will actually focus on these issues.”
Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte:
“The parody posters are amusing,” says Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte. “However, what’s not amusing is the hardship that New Yorkers must endure at the hands of the MTA, especially those living in the outer boroughs. The hard truth is we just don’t reap the benefits of the millions of tax dollars invested. For decades, we have been unable to move New Yorkers efficiently and safely throughout the city. The issue only worsens as time goes on.”
“There are delays, breakdowns, and cancellations. People have even lost their lives to the faulty and outdated architecture of the MTA subway system. However, the funds allocated to MTA upgrades go to exclusive and selective expansion projects like the one for the 2nd Avenue Station in Manhattan – the inner borough. It’s time for change and to hold the MTA accountable for work and upgrades owed to all New Yorkers from all corners of the city,” Bichotte added.
The parody ads are good knockoffs. Some people don’t even take notice of them. A close look reveals that they are taped onto the subway car panel rather than inserted into the advertising sleeves.
Commuters who take notice of the signs seem to enjoy them, some taking pictures. How many are there? We will probably never know unless the creators step up. For now, they are anonymous.