Phish’s Trey Anastasio Collaborates With New York City’s MTA

Phish made their debut at Madison Square Garden on this date in 1994, the same year the New York City’s Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) rolled out the Metrocard. Fittingly, the MTA enlisted Phish frontman Trey Anastasio for a series of announcements that say farewell to the MetroCard era.

The voice of Anastasio, a longtime NYC resident, can be heard at all subway stations through the end of Phish’s current New Year’s Eve run at MSG and into New Year’s Day. The MTA will air the announcements every 10 – 15 minutes with the content changing regularly.

Come New Year’s Day, MTA riders will no longer be able to purchase MetroCards. Riders will need to use the OMNY contactless fare payment system, though existing MetroCards will be honored at terminals for a limited time. Other payment options include smartphones or smartwatches with mobile wallets and credit cards.

Trey Anastasio worked a few Phish references into his PSAs informing fans about the end of MetroCard references. A video of Anastasio recording one of the messages and riding the subway has been shared on both Trey’s social media and the MTA’s.

“The MetroCard’s been with us through a lot of rides, but where do you go when the swipes go out? The answer is easy, tap and ride,” proclaims Anastasio, who sings the portion of the announcement that is a variation of a lyric from “Harry Hood.”

Trey also notes it only takes eight minutes to get from his apartment to The Garden, while it takes 40 minutes in a car. “Next time we play The Garden, I’m going straight down with my guitar, getting on the train and going home. See you on the subway,” Anastasio quips.

Watch Trey Anastasio collaborate with New York City’s Metropolitan Transit Authority below:

Some of the merchandise Phish produced for the NYE run references subways, leading some fans to speculate the transit system will be part of the band’s New Year’s Eve gag. Find out by watching a LivePhish livestream of the concert.