Traffic & Transit
MTA Officially Dubs Andy Byford 'Train Daddy'
The MTA has adopted an odd new nickname for New York City's transit chief, who apparently "loves you very much."
NEW YORK CITY — Much like the stickers, an odd new nickname for Andy Byford has stuck. The MTA has officially dubbed the transit president New York City's Train Daddy.
MTA officials embraced the new title in a tweet blasted out on New Year's Eve.
"From Train Daddy himself," the MTA wrote, alongside photos of Byford. "'Have a great night and get home safely! Mind the gap.'"
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The MTA moniker comes courtesy of a sticker campaign from Andrew Littlefield, a Brooklyn-based writer who began printing stickers of Byford's head on subway trains with the message "Train Daddy loves you very much."
Littlefield told Patch Thursday he was thrilled to see the nickname make its way to the MTA.
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"It totally made my night," Littlefield said. "My goal for the train daddy stickers was to spread the Andy Byford love and let him know how much we appreciate his hard work.... We love you, Train Daddy!"
New Yorkers who would like Train Daddy stickers of their own can order them here.
Twitter responded to the MTA's adoption of the new nickname with delight and sarcasm, while out-of-towners were reasonably confused.
Train daddy?
— Blue-haired Old Lady (@blue_and_tattoo) January 1, 2020
Is there a Train Mommy, Train Grandpa and a Train Nana as well? I've heard cousin Choo Choo Lou is very funny.
— Mike (@LoGiCtHiNk) January 1, 2020
Train Daddy? pic.twitter.com/Jys0qvhodK
— DJ-KIMchi (@djjkim) January 1, 2020
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