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Rainbow balloons at New York City Pride
New York City subways and buses will now use gender-neutral announcements.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has announced it will no longer use the phrase ‘ladies and gentleman.’
To be more inclusive they will use gender neutrals terms instead like ‘passengers,’ ‘rider,’ and ‘everyone.’
Other changes include abolishing prerecorded messages to allow for real-time explanations for delays.
MTA spokesman Jon Weinstein said: ‘We’re fundamentally changing the way we talk with riders to give them better and clearer information.’
A 9-page memo explained the changes to staff.
The MTA aims to change the way it’s staff interact with people using the subway and buses with the memo.
A major goal is to get conductors to be more ’emphatic and human.’
Conductors will also begin to greet passengers on certain holidays. This began on Tuesday, during New York’s Election Day.
An example is that on Veterans Day, conductors will tell passengers to thank a veteran.
The conductors will also be encouraged to mention nearby landmarks if they wish to.
People have taken to Twitter to share their outrage at the change
Subway conductors are now required to use gender-neutral terms! Like “riders” or “passengers”. So “ladies and gentlemen” is NOT allowed! Really!!!! #newyorkcity
— denise (@denisebklyngirl) November 10, 2017
We have come too the point where Men are no longer Men, and Women are no longer Women.. Just a bunch of “It’s” running around.. #Wow pic.twitter.com/Hvb0702X9G
— R.A Corbin (@TheRealRVonYork) November 11, 2017
Some are pointing out that this change is long overdue
Everyone should feel welcome on public transit. MTA adopting gender-neutral announcements is an overdue change + other systems should follow. https://t.co/2DdMk8e1mu
— Eve Zhurbinskiy (@ezhurb) November 13, 2017
“Good morning, everyone.” MTA goes gender-neutral, no more “ladies and gentleman.” New York City, my love. 👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼
— carla sosenko (@carlasosenko) November 10, 2017
They’ve taken their queue from @TfL
— Mark Macartney (@macartney_mark) November 11, 2017
