The strike, the first by NYC transport workers in 25 years, meant that many faced a long walk in the cold for the second day.
The strike - that began on Tuesday - has virtually paralysed some parts of the city.
For many, the only alternative to get into central New York was to wait in long queues to board a train.
There have been angry stand-offs between motorists and police, who allow only vehicles with four or more occupants into some parts of the city.
Subways and bus services shuddered to a halt on Tuesday as workers walked out over demands for pay rises and benefits.
Roger Toussaint, of the Transport Workers Union, announced the strike after talks between workers and city officials.
More than seven million people use the bus and underground system each day.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg has said the strike could cost up to $400m (£227m) a day.
|