A trend had developed that was a definite step back for writing. Due to a lack of paint and courage to stay in a lay up for prolonged periods of time, many writers were tagging with markers on the outside of subway cars. These tags were generally poor artistic efforts. If it wasn't for the afore mentioned writers and a few others, the artform in New York City could have officially been deemed dead. By mid '86 the MTA was gaining the upper hand.
Many writers quit and the violence subsided.
Most lines were completely free of writing. Js, Ms were among the last of the lines with running pieces. Security was high and the Transit Police's new vandal squad was in full force. What was left was a handful of diehards.