As the MTA continues to see agency-wide ridership records, a new ad campaign known as “Courtesy Counts,” works to remind riders how to respect the MTA’s Code of Conduct.
The campaign consists of 34 illustrations with messaging to serve as a friendly reminder to:
- Keep seats clear for other riders
- Keep pets in carriers and service animals leashed
- Let people on and off the train without obstruction
- Not talk loudly on the phone
- Wear headphones
- Give everyone room to stand
- Not lay down and take up multiple seats
- Not to smoke or vape
- Not to hold the doors
- Not to charge electric vehicles
- Not to leave the emergency exit door open for others to enter without paying the fare
- Not to leave a bike unattended or obstructing space
- Not to litter
“In our busy lives, it’s easy to forget that your own individual behavior can have an impact on your fellow riders’ commute, and even their day, so why not be courteous,” said Acting Chief Customer Officer and Senior Advisor Shanifah Rieara. “The goal isn’t to lecture anyone, we just wanted to have a little bit of fun explaining our Rules of Conduct as ridership continues to grow.”
Copy messaging includes phrases like “If you don’t make the train, don’t make it wait,” and “Block punts. Don’t block doors.” Riders will be able to catch these digital ads across subway cars, buses, Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North trains, and in station platforms.
“This campaign is especially important for the disability community and reminds customers what a difference it can make to keep doorways clear, or give up your seat to someone who needs it” said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer and Senior Advisor Quemuel Arroyo. “While New Yorkers are busy and have a lot going on, we can all take a second to do the right thing and let another rider have an enjoyable time and pleasant ride.”
Though daily ridership was surpassing 5 million prior to the pandemic, September 20th, 2023 marked the highest post-pandemic single-day total for paid rides on consecutive days with 4,179,902 paid rides.
“As ridership continues to grow, we want to let our customers know to be courteous and don’t ruin the experience of your fellow customers,” said MTA Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara at a press conference. “Transit systems should be a welcoming place for everyone.”