Scenes From a Commute Without Subways
With the NYC subway system knocked out indefinitely and service suspended on the LIRR, Metro-North, NJ Transit, and PATH systems, New Yorkers are gamely heading back to work today. MTA bus routes have resumed service, but across the board, their status is "Delayed." Early reports indicate that traffic is a disaster. It looks like HOV restrictions, busways, and bike/ped lanes can't come soon enough.
By
Ben Fried
10:07 AM EDT on October 31, 2012
With the NYC subway system knocked out indefinitely and service suspended on the LIRR, Metro-North, NJ Transit, and PATH systems, New Yorkers are gamely heading back to work today. MTA bus routes have resumed service, but across the board, their status is “Delayed.” Early reports indicate that traffic is a disaster. It looks like HOV restrictions, busways, and bike/ped lanes can’t come soon enough.
Here are a few images from NYC’s streets this morning, sent by readers and plucked from Twitter. Send in your photos of the commute without subways to tips@streetsblog.org.
Ben Fried started as a Streetsblog reporter in 2008 and led the site as editor-in-chief from 2010 to 2018. He lives in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn, with his wife.
Read More:
More from Streetsblog New York City
Mamdani Will Upgrade Brooklyn Bridge Manhattan-Side Entrance By June
DOT will begin start construction in April of the Adams-era proposal to give cyclists and pedestrians their own entrances to the bridge.
March 27, 2026
Cycle of Rage: One Driver’s Convenience, One Woman’s Death
How can we rein in drivers when the whole system is set up for them?
March 27, 2026
Friday Video: Buenos Aires Will Challenge Everything You Think You Know About Buses
The Paris of South America has an amazing bus system — but it doesn't run like North American ones at all.
March 27, 2026
New York City Cannot Repeat Boston’s Big Dig Mistake
The city must learn from its neighbor to the north.
March 27, 2026
Friday’s Headlines: Mayor on a Citi Bike Edition
People and mayors who get around on foot, on bikes or on transit have a greater appreciation for our city. Plus other news.
March 27, 2026




Comments Are Temporarily Disabled
Streetsblog is in the process of migrating our commenting system. During this transition, commenting is temporarily unavailable.
Once the migration is complete, you will be able to log back in and will have full access to your comment history. We appreciate your patience and look forward to having you back in the conversation soon.