Stephen Nessen

Reporter, WNYC News

Stephen Nessen appears in the following:

Fond Farewell Over the MTA's Old School Phone Line

Monday, October 05, 2020

When something happens in the subways, a message is broadcast over a phone line called the Six Wire. And when one of its workers retires, the line is used for a farewell.

Comments [1]

The Future of the MTA Rests on a $12 Billion Grant from the Federal Government

Monday, September 28, 2020

The MTA needs $12 billion to get through the next year, or it says it will have to resort to massive cuts in service, fare hikes, and layoffs. And there’s no sign the money is coming.

Comments [1]

MTA Honors Subway Hero Who Caught Caught Man Accused of Causing Derailment

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

A Manhattan straphanger has received the MTA's "highest civilian honor": free rides for a year. Rikien Wilder, caught the alleged culprit who caused a train derailment Sunday.

Comments [1]

After MTA Worker Loses Baby and Sues, Changes Coming for Pregnant Workers

Monday, September 21, 2020

Nearly 20 percent of the MTA’s subway and bus workers are women, but when they get pregnant, the MTA can be slow to accommodate them. This has led to multiple complaints and lawsuits.

Comments [3]

Activists Pressure MTA To Fire Two Employees For "Hateful Actions"

Tuesday, September 01, 2020

Black Lives Matter protesters say two men in a dark SUV tried to run them over during protests in July. The men are public employees; they work for the MTA. 

Comments [1]

MTA Prepares for Major Cuts if Federal Relief Aid Doesn't Come Soon

Friday, August 28, 2020

New York's transit system has weathered the Great Depression, the attacks of 9/11 and more, but the current global pandemic is having the most devastating effect of any disaster. 

Comments [1]

MTA Reveals Doomsday Plan if Feds Don’t Deliver on $12B in Relief

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

The MTA is preparing a budget that includes major service cuts, layoffs and fare hikes if it doesn't receive federal aid soon.

Comments [1]

MTA Offers Reward For Information About Smashed Subway Train Car Windows

Monday, August 24, 2020

An already cash strapped transit system now has to fix hundreds of smashed subway windows. The 7 train has been hit the hardest. 

Comments [2]

City Slow to Install Pledged Bus Lanes

Friday, August 21, 2020

New York City has installed less than a quarter of the new bus lanes it pledged to have in place by the end of the year. This comes as bus ridership is returning faster than the subways.

Comments [1]

Taxi Drivers Call For Debt Relief As Pandemic Drags On

Thursday, August 20, 2020

Taxi drivers are calling on the city and lenders to reduce their medallion debt. With ridership low because of the pandemic, already struggling drivers can't make payments.

Comments [2]

MTA to Start Charging for Buses Soon As Protective Measures Get Installed

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Bad news for bus riders, those free rides are coming to an end. The MTA will begin collecting fares at the end of the month.

Comments [1]

Budget Watchdogs Warn MTA Must Change to Survive During Fiscal Crisis

Friday, August 14, 2020

The MTA continues to face a dire financial crisis as it runs out of federal relief funds. With Congress on recess, it's unlikely help will come anytime soon.

Comments [1]

With Soaring Demand for Cycling, City Sees Uptick in Bike Thefts

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

As many people continue to avoid buses and subways, the demand for bicycles is soaring. That's also been followed by an uptick in bicycle theft.

Comment

Airport Screening Underway for Passengers from 22 States on NY Quarantine List

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

Visitors traveling to New York airports from states hard-hit by coronavirus must quarantine for two weeks, and fill out health forms.

Comment

NJ Senator Backs $32B Transit Funding

Thursday, July 09, 2020

New Jersey Senator Bob Menedez is leading the call for another round of federal relief funds for transit agencies. If the money doesn't come transit agencies say service could be cut.

Comments [1]

MTA Allows Some Bus Windows to Open, Still Evaluating Subway Car Windows

Tuesday, July 07, 2020

In an effort to increase ventilation on city buses, the MTA is allowing drivers to open windows and roof hatches. But it can’t be done on all buses or trains.

Comments [3]

New Yorkers Get a Jump on Phase 3 Reopening Over the Weekend

Sunday, July 05, 2020

As the city moves into phase three of reopening Monday, many New Yorkers tired of being quarantined at home got a head start on outdoor activities over the weekend.

Comment

MTA Installs PPE Vending Machines, But Riders Can Still Get it for Free

Thursday, July 02, 2020

The MTA has been rolling out new vending machines at 10 stations, stocked with personal protective equipment. But riders can still get most of these items for free.

Comments [1]

Three ‘Ribbon’ Bike & Pedestrian Bridges For NYC Are More Than A Coronavirus-Concocted Fantasy

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

What happens when a bunch of traffic planners and engineers find themselves in the epicenter of a pandemic that brings their day jobs to a grinding halt? They start their dream projects.

Comment

How Low Did Those NYPD Helicopters Go At Recent Protests?

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

During the last few weeks of protests, NYPD helicopters have been a constant presence buzzing overhead. Flight data shows they've also been flying unusually low over crowds. 

Comments [1]