Government-run social media accounts are usually for public service announcements, legislative updates and warnings about weather or traffic. But on April 1, several city leaders and transit agencies posted something a little … different.
Smart Cities Dive rounded up some of our favorite jokes posted by government agencies and officials on X, formerly known as Twitter. Did we miss a post? Send us the link at [email protected].
NYC’s Department of Transportation puts on a full face
It seems like everyone has their own makeup line these days — even New York City’s DOT. The city agency’s post takes the opportunity to remind drivers about no laughing matter: distracted driving.
The rumors are true! We’re the first government agency to release a makeup line.
Our ‘Eyes On The Road’ eyeshadow palette will raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. Look where you’re going, and look good doing it. pic.twitter.com/sAPJvQlJcb
— NYC DOT (@NYC_DOT) April 1, 2024
And D.C.’s Metro spritzes on the scent
“Embark on a metropolitan journey of the senses.” That’s the opening line of this video, posted by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, which flashes between closeup shots of flowers blooming and buses driving on city streets in an ad for a faux fragrance. “Metreau de Parfum,” the video says in closing. “Never coming to a store near you.”
Doors opening on a new vibe. Metreau de Parfum. Put forth the prestige of D.C. with South Capital Couture. Capture the essence of global diversity with Departure by Dulles Station. Find the timeless elegance locked inside L’Enfantasy. Never coming to a store near you. #wmata pic.twitter.com/0z3Mx0QMoG
— Metro Forward (@wmata) April 1, 2024
From the mile-high city to the one-point-six-kilometer-high city
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston starts this video with such a straight face, you wouldn’t be blamed for momentarily thinking it’s true that the city is transitioning to the metric system. That is, until he reveals that Denver’s new nickname will no longer be the mile-high city but instead the 1.6-kilometer-high city.
Mayor @MikeJohnstonCO announces a historic step for Denver. pic.twitter.com/S3wE4JgZmE
— City and County of Denver (@CityofDenver) April 1, 2024
States poke fun at one another
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy fired shots at Pennsylvania with a post calling on his state’s legislature to create a fund to pay for driving lessons for Pennsylvania drivers.
BREAKING: Today I’m calling upon the Legislature to protect New Jerseyans from the biggest menace on the roads: Pennsylvania drivers.
All proceeds from the “Passing Lane Protection Act” will help pay for driving lessons across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. pic.twitter.com/bXFzdQKcEr
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) April 1, 2024
But the Garden State was also on the receiving end of a joke by the State of New York’s X account, which kept its bit simple and to the point: “New Jersey seems like a great place to live.” The City of New York chimed in, too.
They’ve got the best view in the world! https://t.co/loUHCg3bou pic.twitter.com/utwrIK9597
— City of New York (@nycgov) April 1, 2024
Metro Los Angeles announces the public transit nobody asked for
Teleportation has finally come to Los Angeles County, according to its Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The only problem? You might turn into a sandwich.
✨TAP to ZAP !✨
introducing Metro Teleportation!
wherever you must go* in 3.2 nanoseconds
???? up!
*only available in LA County pic.twitter.com/tDm9DeVYKD
— Metro Los Angeles (@metrolosangeles) April 1, 2024
Meet the tiny police dog patrolling a Minnesota city
The Minnetonka Police Department announced its newest K-9 recruit: a dachsund named Winston, with the uniform to boot.
Exciting news! Introducing our new K9 recruit, Winston! This dachshund may be small in stature, but he’s got a nose for mischief and a big bark. Don’t be fooled by his size, he’s ready to take a ‘bite’ out of crime…or maybe just your sandwich! #AprilFools pic.twitter.com/tsqYWB9k3I
— Minnetonka Police Department (@mtkapd) April 1, 2024
Even Amtrak is in on the joke
Major infrastructure improvements aren’t all that’s new with Amtrak, according to the passenger railroad company’s April Fools’ Day post.
Introducing the Amtrak Emotional Baggage car.
Tag a friend who needs a lift—we can handle it. pic.twitter.com/dWydQmIuh0
— Amtrak (@Amtrak) April 1, 2024
