Subway riders across New York City will hear a familiar voice reminding them to ride safely and pay the fare this week, as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) rolls out new announcements recorded by Saturday Night Live star Kenan Thompson.
Starting Monday, Feb. 10, Thompson’s messages will play in more than 400 subway stations, offering lighthearted but firm reminders to avoid fare evasion and to ride safely inside the train cars. The announcements coincide with SNL50: The Anniversary Special, NBC’s highly anticipated three-hour celebration airing live on Sunday, Feb. 16.
“Live from New York, it’s Kenan Thompson from Saturday Night Live,” begins one of the announcements, before the longtime SNL cast member urges riders to pay their fare and refrain from dangerous behaviors like subway surfing.
The campaign is part of a broader effort by the MTA to promote safety and fare compliance, with large-scale wall displays, turnstile messaging, and digital signage celebrating SNL50 at the 47th–50th Streets–Rockefeller Center station through Feb. 23.
“We’re always looking for ways to engage riders and reinforce important safety and fare-payment messages,” an MTA spokesperson said. “Having a beloved New York icon like Kenan Thompson deliver these reminders in his signature style makes them both memorable and impactful.”
The full lineup of announcements includes humorous yet direct messages, with Thompson playfully calling out turnstile jumpers and subway surfers while plugging SNL50.
