On Demand
Headlines
- Closing Arguments Heard in Bear Stearns Trial
- Bank Error: Not In Teacher's Favor
- Bowery Mission Celebrates 100 Years
- Financial 411: Is Insider Trading Pervasive At Hedge Funds?
- Congress to Investigate Alleged Impropriety in H1N1 Vaccine Distribution
- More
- House Passes Health Care Overhaul
- At Fort Hood, Mourning And A Search For Answers
- House Health Care Bill Hinges On Abortion Vote
- More
- Landmark health bill passes House on close vote
- Some predicted trouble from Fort Hood's Maj. Hasan
- Pakistan suicide bombing kills anti-Taliban mayor
- More
News
NJ Transit Trumps MTA in Information Game
by Bob Hennelly
NEW YORK, NY August 10, 2007 —The most frequent complaint heard from City commuters during Wednesday's subway chaos was the total lack of information coming from the MTA and other regional transport agencies. But as WNYC's Bob Hennelly reports it was a very different story for some New Jersey Transit customers.
LOUDSPEAKER: There is no information at this time on the four or the five. Repeat there is no information at this time on the four or the five.
REPORTER: That's what subway commuters heard below ground at Penn Station. Contrast that with the 46,000 New Jersey Transit customers who subscribe to that systems up to the minute real time information service.
Dan Stessel with NJ Transit, says keeping customers informed is his agency's top priority.
STESSEL: That's why we developed a system called "My Transit" which sends alerts to your pager or blackberry or PDA whenever there is a delay effecting your specific trip. It is not a general message. If you tell us you are taking train 1,2,3. We are going to send you an alert when your train 1,2,3 is having a problem.
REPORTER: The MTA also, has an e-mail service, but it only communicates planned service disruptions.
On Wednesday NJ Transit sent out dozens of broadcast e-mail messages that included information updates on the Port Authority's PATH system. Subscribers learned in real time what lines were down and why. For WNYC I am Bob Hennelly
Vote 2009
WNYC provides analysis of the characters and debates of those running for mayor, comptroller, public advocate, district attorney and City Council. Share your election story or gripe and post your comments on the news blog.
More
Financial 411
WNYC's Amy Eddings hosts a daily overview of financial news at 4:30 weekdays which is available via podcast, with highlights from the day and a preview of what you can expect tomorrow.
More
Main Street NYC
WNYC is following five blocks over the next year to see how the economic downturn is being experienced on the street level.
More
Uncommon Economic Indicators
The Brian Lehrer Show is keeping a close eye on how the economy is affecting the little things in daily life. Share your stories and photos of the downturn.
More