New York City Police Union Thinks Graffiti Train Is a 'True Sign of Decay' But People Are Loving It

The MTA believes the PBA's tweet was triggered by the union's rift with City Hall.

Jan 21, 2020
Graffiti subway train.
Getty

Image via Getty/NYC PBA

Graffiti subway train.
Getty

Image via Getty/NYC PBA

It's safe to say that the New York City police union isn't happy that some artist(s) decided to express their creative vision by tagging a train. 

On Monday, the New York City Police Benevolent Association posted a video of a train covered in graffiti to Twitter. In the tweet, the PBA called the act a "true sign of decay" that was triggered by a lack of "consequences."

The 70s & 80s, now in living color on a subway platform near you. A true sign of decay, one that we worked so hard to eradicate decades ago. The taggers had plenty of time to cover this entire train, because they know there are no more consequences. #backtothefuture pic.twitter.com/7uWmg8YdzU

— NYC PBA (@NYCPBA) January 21, 2020

"The 70s & 80s, now in living color on a subway platform near you," the tweet reads. "A true sign of decay, one that we worked so hard to eradicate decades ago. The taggers had plenty of time to cover this entire train, because they know there are no more consequences."

Yet contrary to the PBA's comments, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority told Spectrum News that incidences of graffiti are "significantly lower" now than in the past. The MTA believes that the PBA's tweet was triggered by the union's rift with City Hall.

Still, this didn't stop users from calling the union out. A lot of people feel like the PBA has bigger things to worry about regarding the New York City train system than street artists beautifying the trains.

Translation: The New York Police Department and Metropolitan Transit Authority haven’t adequately secured trainyards even 19 years after 9/11.

— The Hoarse Whisperer (@TheRealHoarse) January 21, 2020

That train looks good!! Talented graffiti artist!!

— Tamara Richardson (@tamika830) January 21, 2020

THANK GOD NYC IS GETTING BACK TO BEING NYC.

After seeing this, I actually want to move back.

There just HAS to be something more pressing than worrying about graffiti artists.

Get over it.

Care about shit that matters.

— Shinebox Capital (AKA: JMoneyGrip) (@sinistrorous) January 21, 2020

This s*** rules. Look at that craftsmanship. The skill. The art. The love.

Cops patrolling the subway in full SWAT gear is what real decay looks like you dummies.

— zeddy (@Zeddary) January 21, 2020

this looks cool as hell

— Bladed Artist (@666HeavyMachine) January 21, 2020

Oh shit you guys are giving these badasses serious exposure here! Love it. Maybe the real story is the vice squad’s been getting bored

— MGMT (@whoisMGMT) January 21, 2020
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