You may not have to use public transport to work now, but if you are one of the many workers who still move around New York City (or if you are someone like me, who fantasizes about the old commute), now you have some new celebrity voice talents to keep you company on your bus or subway, the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) announced Friday.
Normal traffic announcements can easily disappear from passengers’ minds. They are too confusing to be understood or you have heard them so many times that you don’t even register them. But that could be different if, say, Whoopi Goldberg was the one who reminded you to wear a mask on the bus.
At least this is a theoretical benefit of the new MTA ads released today, created in partnership with director and Instagram star Nicolas Heller (@newyorknico). There are 25 “iconic New Yorkers” ready to speak over the intercom in New York City traffic, so if Whoopi isn’t his speed, Jerry Seinfeld is reading some ads too, as well as Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson of Broad City, Edie Falco de The Sopranos, rappers Cam’ron and Jadakiss, and someone who’s been having a great time lately, Fran Lebowitz.
Getting celebrities to read reminders to wear masks and social distance may not be the best use of MTA resources or time, but according to what Heller said New York Post, “There was no budget for that.” So be it a charming distraction for the ride or another reason to put your headphones on, at least Awkwafina reminding you to wear a mask didn’t cost taxpayers anything. In fact, the project produced some real jewels:
Look, it’s Killa Cam from Harlem. Look – I don’t care if you’re from downtown, Harlem, Switzerland, anywhere. I don’t care if you are a chicken or a duck. And you know what? Covid doesn’t care either. Are you wearing a mask? Yes, is it covering your mouth and nose? So good, you’re doing great. Remember that not just wearing a mask is the law – it is the right thing to do.