“Awkwafina is Nora From Queens” premieres at 10:30 p.m. on Jan. 22 on Comedy Central. (Photo: Danielle Levitt/Comedy Central)
Jan. 16, 2020 By Allie Griffin
Straphangers who ride the 7 train will be hearing the voice of Awkwafina every time the subway pulls into a station.
The conductor announcements will feature the recorded voice of the Golden Globe-winning actress from today through Wednesday, Jan. 22.
Awkwafina arranged the deal to voice the subway intercom system to promote her upcoming show– “Awkwafina is Nora from Queens” — which premieres on Jan. 22 on Comedy Central.
The actress, whose real name is Nora Lum, will add some humor to the announcements with bits like, “Please remember to use headphones when listening to music — even if your playlist is straight fire.”
It’s a good day to ride the 7 train @awkwafina pic.twitter.com/nDb1JlpAIX
— Jonathan Sperling (@JonSperling) January 16, 2020
She will announce all 22 stops from Flushing – Main Street to 34th Street – Hudson Yards and provide other prompts.
In one audio clip, Awkwafina reminds straphangers to stop “manspreading.”
i never thought the mta would bring me any delight, but @awkwafina was the automated voice of the 7 train this morning, and everyone in the train car was smiling. ☺️ pic.twitter.com/7NnLVRMn3k
— sarah baker (@bakerbk) January 16, 2020
The announcements stem from a deal struck by The MTA with Comedy Central, which is looking to promote the new series.
“What better way to celebrate the premiere of “Awkwafina is Nora From Queens” on Comedy Central, than having Nora herself voice the train that runs through the heart of Queens,” said Josh Line, Executive Vice President, Marketing, Creative and Digital for Comedy Central.
The series is a half-hour scripted comedy created by Awkwafina and inspired by her own life growing up in Forest Hills. Awkwafina stars as Nora Lin, who is raised by her dad and grandmother in Queens.
The celebrity train announcements — piloted by Awkwafina — are something the MTA hopes to continue.
“We are exploring new and different ways to generate much needed revenue, while also surprising and delighting customers,” said Sarah Meyer, Chief Customer Officer at MTA New York City Transit. “Our focus will always be to run the trains safely and on time, and if a well-known voice can bring attention to in-car messaging, we are all for it.”
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9 Comments
“We are exploring new and different ways to generate much needed revenue…?” What the MTA should do is to allow more entrepreneurs to set up retail outlets in stations like they used to have many years ago. It enhances security, gives riders a point of purchase respite while awaiting their ride and rents, while small for one location, can be collectively a monetary boost that doesn’t end.
Imagine it was Chris Tucker giving the announcements.
That’s funny ????
How you didn’t mention the announcements that are questionable for children’s ears. Like the 69th street one.
It got old real fast.
That’s a big NO THANK YOU
Nobody thinks it’s funny, because everyone listening is already annoyed. Stupid idea.
It got annoying after a few stops, especially early in the morning on way to work. This should have been max two days. I agree with Paul – keep it simple – clear and understandable voices – not ones that blast into your ears. Still a cool idea they used Awkwafina but 7 line commuters will soon hate that voice.
just plain annoying , MTA should be focusing on preventing delays.
It’s all gonna be fun and laughs for app. one week and then afterwards commuters are gonna want to rip her vocal cords out after hearing it 1,000 times.
Keep it simple. Have simple recorded voices in clear, understandable, English by any gender, race or creed.
Not so funny when the delays make you late for work , school or appointment, MTA needs to do a better job with the 7 train.