Mass Transit Strike

Biggest news in the City: MTA (Mass Transit Association) is organizing to strike, starting 12:01 a.m. Friday, EST.

Luckily for me, I’m within walking distance to school and both my jobs, and also to the PATH, which won’t be on strike. But for many others, especially those who need to cross boroughs, this will be one nasty inconvenience. Or a very effective strike, if you’re an MTA worker ;p

First, the informative links:

ABC: MTA Strike Threatens New York Economy
New York Sun: MTA Strike Could Cost Businesses As Much as $600 Million A Day
New York Times: Talks Continue as Transit Deadline Nears
Washington Post: NYC Could Face Transit Strike Friday

Moving along… now for the helpful links:

Alternatives: As far as I know, PATH, LIRR, NJ Transit, and other non-MTA public transportations are still running.

♦ Chinatown vans: They’re always there, running from Manhattan’s Chinatown to Queens (Elmhurst, Flushing) and Brooklyn (Sunset Park). This article from a few months back has information on specific streets. Da Zhong Hua (Hwa?) seems to be one of the biggest van lines if you want to go Manhattan-Flushing.

♦ MTA: Strike Contingency Plans, safety tips, and MTA Customer Safety Information

♦ NYU: Those purple torch buses are running on extended schedule, with services now to midtown areas such as 34th Street. You need an NYU ID (current or expired, as long as it looks functional, the bus drivers don’t really check) to get on the bus though. Check other schools’ campus travel plans and see if you can hitch a few rides.

♦ Walk: Well, it’s good exercise. Be sure to bring an umbrella though. Friday’s chance of rain is 80% or above.

So many strikes in my sphere of life lately, quite ironic, that.

[ETA: 12 a.m., seems like the strike is off, for now. Good news indeed!]