METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Fake MTA account suspended by Twitter after tweet goes viral

The tweet, which earned at least 3,000 retweets, announced delays on the “1,2,3,4,5,6,7,A,C,E,B,D,F,M,J,Z,N,Q,R,W, and G” trains.

December 7, 2018
Fake MTA account suspended by Twitter after tweet goes viral

The fake Twitter account had been posting the same tweet about massive subway delays for days until it got traction during a particularly rough morning commute.

Via Gov. Andrew Cuomo

1 min to read


The fake Twitter account had been posting the same tweet about massive subway delays for days until it got traction during a particularly rough morning commute. Via Gov. Andrew Cuomo

NEW YORK -- A fake Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) parody account called @TheOfficialMTA earned a suspension from Twitter after its tweet announcing delays on nearly every train line went viral, the Daily News reports.

The tweet, which announced delays on the “1,2,3,4,5,6,7,A,C,E,B,D,F,M,J,Z,N,Q,R,W, and G” trains, earned at least 3,000 retweets. The account had been posting the same tweet for days until it got traction during a particularly rough morning commute.

Ad Loading...

Twitter suspended @TheOfficialMTA at the request of the real MTA for violating the social media platform rules by stating that it’s an official account, with a bio that calls itself, “The official source of all your early morning headaches and a reminder that this is what you get when you underfund public transportation infrastructure.”

Parody accounts must be clearly identified in their bio, with terms like “parody," “fake,” or “commentary,” and an account handle that distinguishes it from the real thing, according to Twitter. For the full story, click here.


More Management

Managementby StaffMay 16, 2026

AC Transit Sees First Sustained Three-Month Ridership Climb Since 2022

Officials said the ridership gains recorded in February, March, and April signal renewed public confidence in transit and reinforce AC Transit’s vital role in connecting East Bay residents with jobs, schools, healthcare, shopping, and recreational destinations.

Read More →
Traffic fills a multi-lane highway beside a graphic highlighting a report on where public transit provides the greatest cost advantage over driving.

Report Examines Where Public Transit Delivers the Greatest Cost Advantage Over Driving

A new study found commuters in several major U.S. cities could save hundreds of dollars each month by taking public transit instead of driving, with Los Angeles ranking as the nation’s most expensive city for car commuters.

Read More →
Cover photo for METROspectives with HDR's Brian Buchanan
Managementby Alex RomanMay 15, 2026

Managing Complexity: HDR’s Brian Buchanan on Delivering Major Transit Programs

HDR’s transit program management lead discusses the challenges of overseeing large capital projects, adapting to cost and supply chain pressures, and the capabilities agencies need to build for the future.

Read More →
A PRT bus serving a PRTX BRT station
Managementby StaffMay 14, 2026

NFL Draft Delivers Big Ridership, Revenue Boost for Pittsburgh

Over the three days, PRT recorded 485,000 rides, reflecting the extraordinary number of trips taken as people traveled throughout the region for Draft events, work, and daily life.

Read More →
STV's Garo Hovnanian
Managementby Alex RomanMay 13, 2026

The Expanding Role of Advisory in Transit Delivery

Garo Hovnanian explores how agencies can better navigate competing priorities, strengthen decision-making, and prepare for a future shaped by electrification and emerging mobility.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An NJ TRANSIT bus.
Managementby StaffMay 13, 2026

NJ TRANSIT to Expand Cleanliness, Safety, and Accessibility Under New Action Plan

The plan includes investments in cleaner vehicles and upgraded stations, NJT LiveView to provide real-time GPS tracking of train and light rail service, enhanced safety initiatives through a new Real Time Crime Center, and the debut of a redesigned NJ TRANSIT mobile app.

Read More →
Mayor Tim Keller in front of an ABQ RIDE microtransit vehicle
New Mobilityby StaffMay 12, 2026

ABQ RIDE Forward's Next Phase Sets Target Date

ABQ RIDE Forward is the first transit system overhaul in more than 25 years. This latest phase marks 15% completion of the 16-phase rollout, which will continue over the next several years.

Read More →
Managementby StaffMay 12, 2026

New Orleans RTA Signals Leadership Shift, Opens National CEO Search

During the meeting, the board approved a resolution invalidating a previously amended contract and authorized Board Chair Ann Duplessis to negotiate a separation agreement with CEO Lona Edwards Hankins.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
METRO Biz Briefs cover photo

STV Launches Power Practice and More in Biz Briefs

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at the latest news from SilverRide, Complete Coach Works, and more.

Read More →