MTA to drop 'ladies and gentlemen' from announcements

NEW YORK (AP) -- New York City transit riders won't be called "ladies and gentlemen" any more -- but they'll still be expected to act like it.
 
The linguistic throwback to the white-gloved era is being jettisoned as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority updates its communication methods.
 
An MTA memo says train conductors will now ask riders to "partner" with them in removing their backpacks, staying clear of doors and keeping stations clean.
 
MTA Chairman Joe Lhota tells the Daily News that it's part of an initiative designed to make announcements more informative and "cheerful."
 
Lhota says "canned messages" don't work anymore.
 
Conductors also have a list of landmarks they can mention at stops, from the Apollo Theater to Yankee Stadium. 


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