The day after Derpy became known as the mare who finally returned, the ETA established no more exit fares and that everypony can ride the Friendship Express free of charge. For many weeks, the popularity of the Friendship Express increased rapidly, leading many other cities in Equestria to follow the ETA's way of controlling a mode of transportation. All cities except for one: Manehatten. The city is so large that for an earth pony, it takes a whole day just to reach the end of the city limits. Only if a unicorn uses a teleportation spell or a pegasus flies across the city weaving around the skyscrapers to basically beat the earth pony to the city limits, the only other ways are by waiting for a taxi or a ride on the subway system. Manehatten, in fact, has the largest transit system in Equestria called the MTA (Manehatten Transit Authority). Everyday, ponies commute to and from work on the subway which has been profitable since the service began over one hundred years ago. The exit fare policy has never left the system and ponies have already been notified multiple times via ads in the city's newspaper to be warned that not paying the exit fare will lead to lifetime imprisonment on the subway system. However, with newer subway rolling stock every ten years, the MTA has continued to be the most popular way to commute in Manehatten. One month later though, things were about to change for the MTA.
It was January. The holidays were over and it was still freezing cold outside. As usual the city was bustling with activity. In Manehatten, the MTA owns one skyscraper across the street from Grand Central. On the top floor of the building housed the president of the MTA's apartment and office. The earth pony was stubborn, always busy, and never was late on an assignment. He was looking outside of his window to the street's below.
"Goodness gracious!" he groaned. "Look at all that snow on the ground. What's up with the weather ponies today huh? If I see one snowflake on my limo, there will be consequences!"
A few minutes ago, he had gotten news from his secretary that many lines of the MTA will be out of service due to the snow. He angrily threw his coffee mug to the ground.
"WHY!"
"Uh, sir?" The secretary asked.
"WHAT IS IT!!" the president angrily responded.
"Well, ever since this system has been in service, there hasn't been a direct link to any other city," replied the secretary. "I've been hearing rumors from other ponies who say that the MTA should have a line connecting Ponyville."
"PONYVILLE!" shouted the president, slamming a hoof on the desk. "HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MARBLES!! THAT TOWN HAS BEEN A PART OF THE ETA FOR YEARS!!" he stopped abruptly. He turned back to the window and thought for a moment. Then he had an idea.
"Wait a minute!" he exclaimed to his secretary. "That is a brilliant idea! A subway line leading into Ponyville! More ponies will visit Manehatten and be able to commute from Ponyville without changing trains in Canterlot!" he paused dramatically.
"Secretary! Please find the following: The MTA construction crew, the head of the newspaper, and the mayor of Manehatten. I want you to spread the news! The MTA will finally be expanded after a 10 year absence!!! Oh my! This just made my day!!" the president began dancing around the room.
"Uh sir? Are you okay?" the secretary asked.
The president of the MTA stopped dancing. He looked very embarrassed.
"Uh yes! Well what are you waiting for! SPREAD THE NEWS!!!" the president shouted happily.
The secretary nodded and ran from the president's office, heading towards town hall. The president of the MTA got back in his desk chair and turned around to see the view of the Manehatten skyline from his window.
"Look out ETA," he said to himself. "Because the MTA is now arriving on track one in...Ponyville." Then the president remembered something.
"SECRETARY!!!!" he shouted.
"What is it sir!"
"Before you spread the news, get me a coffee and a delicious chocolate muffin please!"
"Yes sir! I'll be as quick as possible!" The president can only laugh as his secretary rushed in with a mug of coffee and a plate containing one chocolate muffin.
"Here you go!"
"Thank you very much! Now be on your way! Quickly now!" The president replied.
A couple of days later, the newest subway line of the MTA was completed. The first subway train to Ponyville was scheduled for that day and the mayor Ponyville was very excited.
"Oh my goodness! This will make the front page of the Ponyville Express!" shouted Mayor Mare.
A large crowd of ponies had gathered in the station lobby of the Ponyville subway station. The ETA was closed for this special occasion. Just then, a horn sounded from the subway tunnel.
"Attention everypony, I now present to you the MTA, along with the President of the MTA himself!" Mayor Mare announced while standing in front of a podium.
The subway train, a 6 car train, glided into the station. The doors automatically opened and out stepped a fine gentlecolt with a black suit and red tie. He had an evil grin on his face.
Get ready Ponyville, he thought to himself, because after I get rid of the ETA, my company will be the best transit company in all of Equestria! He trotted out of the subway car and made his way over to the podium.
"Fillys and gentlecolts, I am the president of the MTA!" he paused dramatically. There was a long silence. "WELL!! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR! THIS TRAIN IS BOUND FOR MANEHATTEN!!" he roared. The ponies were shocked. Suddenly, security guards began forcing the crowd into the subway cars. Once when everypony was on board, the subway doors were closed.
"Enjoy your trip to Manehatten!" shouted the president of the MTA.
The subway accelerated violently out of the station and disappeared into the tunnel. With a devilish grin, George O'Brien made his way to the town hall, ready to destroy the ETA.
