New York enters second day without buses or subways

New Yorkers faced another bone-chilling commute today without their cherished subways and buses as a transit strike entered its second day.

With talks still stalled, a judge imposed a huge fine yesterday against the Transport Workers Union – $1m (€841,673) for each day of the strike – and lawyers were due back in court today.

The sanction was levied against workers for violating a state law that bars public employees from going on strike. The union said it would immediately appeal, calling the penalty excessive.

The strike over wages and pensions began yesterday morning, just five days before Christmas and at a time when the city was especially busy with shoppers and tourists.

“It’s too cold for this,” said Jose Cespedes who planned on walking 25 blocks home.

“I’m very disappointed that neither side thought enough about the community.”

The mayor put into effect a sweeping emergency plan, including a requirement that cars entering Manhattan below 96th Street have at least four occupants.