MTA Features Top Comedic Voices in the Subway During New York Comedy Festival

Station Announcements Recorded by JB Smoove, Ms. Pat, and Zarna Garg Will Be Played in More Than 400 Stations Starting Nov. 4

Messages Highlight Importance of Fare Payment, Being Courteous to Other Riders, and OMNY

Listen to Subway Announcements

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the New York Comedy Festival (NYCF) are once again partnering to encourage fans to take public transit to the festival. A series of messages recorded by JB Smoove, Ms. Pat, and Zarna Garg will be played in more than 400 subway stations reminding New Yorkers and visitors alike to pay the fare, be courteous to their fellow riders and tap to pay with OMNY.

The messages will start playing on Monday, Nov. 4, and will run through the festival's conclusion on Sunday, Nov. 17. Ads promoting the NYCF and MTA Away, which offers ticket admission discounts and public transportation tips, will be displayed on digital screens on subway trains, as well as at Penn Station, Grand Central Madison, and Grand Central Terminal. The ads will also be featured in select Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad stations.

In the lead up to the promotion, MTA Away held a sweepstakes offering tickets to the festival, with one lucky winner receiving a "Meet and Greet" ticket.

"Sitting in traffic is no joke," said New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow. "Humor, much like the subway or bus, connects all of us, and public transportation is the best way to get to all the shows at the New York Comedy Festival."

"We're happy to once again bring some laughs to the daily commute with our partnership with the MTA," said New York Comedy Festival Founder and Owner Caroline Hirsch. "Having subway riders hear some of the funniest voices in comedy delivering their unique takes on subway ridership with the festival starting next week will surely brighten up the journey and make the city that much funnier."

"Congratulations to the New York Comedy Festival for 20 years of bringing laughter to Times Square, its HQ," saidTimes Square Alliance President Tom Harris. "And, for reminding folks that the best way to arrive on time for the show is with the MTA - they're going your way. And that's no joke."

"The Broadway Association is thrilled the MTA is helping to get more fans to the New York Comedy Festival, laughing along the way with hilarious tips," said Broadway Association Chair Cristyne L. Nicholas. "What a great warm up act for any headliner."

"Hello fellow seat fillers, pole grabbers, straphangers, and unauthorized door leaners, welcome to the NYC Subway - the original rideshare!" said Comedian JB Smoove. "Your commute is about to get a whole lot Smoover thanks to the soothing voice of yours truly reminding you to be a respectful commuter."

The New York Comedy Festival is a ten-day event featuring more than 200 comedians performing in over 100 shows at venues throughout all five boroughs. The festival will run from Thursday, Nov. 7 through Sunday, Nov. 17. For more information on upcoming shows, visit nycomedyfestival.com.

Sample Scripts

JB Smoove

"Hey, listen up, New York! JB Smoove here. You know, I love this city and I know you do too but some of y'all are straight-up freeloaders. You know good and well that making this city move ain't hardly free! Look, if you're riding the train and not paying, sneaking in up against a fare payer's back side, tailgating through that turnstyle, you're basically getting an unauthorized 2 for 1 which is prohibited...and that is definitely not Smoove! So next time you're hoppin' on, remember: pay your fare, or you might find yourself by yourself in a sticky situation. Oh, and don't forget to come see me at the New York Comedy Festival. And if you dare try to sneak in up against someone's backside...JB-NYC BABY!"

Ms. Pat

"Hey New Yorkers, Ms. Pat here and I love riding the subway, but let's talk about some etiquette, shall we? First off, let people off before you try to cram on. It's like trying to eat a whole pizza by yourself: it's not gonna work. And please take that backpack off when the train is crowded. It's like trying to dance at a club with a giant purse. It's just not cool. Let's keep the subway ride smooth and stress free, and come see me at the New York Comedy Festival November the 8th!"

Zarna Garg

"Namaste! This is Zarna Garg. Are you tired of waiting in line for a MetroCard? I know I am. It's like standing in line at the DMV but for transportation. The good news is there's a better way. Just tap your credit card or smartphone on the turnstile. It's like magic, but without the wand. So, ditch the MetroCard drama and embrace the future. Namaste! And come see me at the New York Comedy Festival."

About the New York Comedy Festival

Launched in 2004, the New York Comedy Festival (NYCF) is created and produced by Caroline's founder Caroline Hirsch. NYCF brings together the country's top comedians including Judd Apatow, Bill Burr, Margaret Cho, Larry David, Kevin Hart, Jo Koy, Nick Kroll, Bill Maher, Trevor Noah, Conan O'Brien, Amy Schumer, Sarah Silverman, Wanda Sykes, Tracy Morgan, and many others to venues throughout the five boroughs of New York City. In 2007, NYCF launched the "Stand Up for Heroes" event to benefit The Bob Woodruff Foundation, and has featured performances by Stephen Colbert, Jim Gaffigan, Ricky Gervais, John Mayer, Seth Meyers, John Mulaney, John Oliver, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jeff Ross, Ray Romano, Jerry Seinfeld, Bruce Springsteen, Jon Stewart, and many others. To date, Stand Up For Heroes events have raised over $85 million dollars. For more information, visit nycomedyfestival.com and follow on social media including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #MakeNYLaugh.

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