NYC Transit Union Raises Concerns Over Unreliable Radio System

Leaders say faulty communication system puts bus drivers and riders at risk

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:31pm

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Transit union leaders in New York City are speaking out about what they describe as an "unreliable radio system" put in place by the MTA, which they say has led to dangerous incidents where bus drivers were unable to call for help. The union is calling for the installation of cellphones on buses as an interim solution while the radio system issues are addressed.

Why it matters

Reliable communication is crucial for the safety of bus drivers and passengers, especially in emergency situations. The union's concerns highlight potential gaps in the MTA's system that could leave drivers and riders vulnerable if the radio network fails to function properly.

The details

MTA bus driver Bibi Bano said she was assaulted on the job in October, and when she tried to call for help, the radio system failed her. Union leaders say Bano's experience is part of a broader problem, with the radio system frequently malfunctioning and putting operators and riders at risk. The union is demanding the MTA fix the radio issues and install cellphones on buses in the meantime, as drivers can face discipline for using personal phones on the job.

  • In October 2025, MTA bus driver Bibi Bano was assaulted on the job and unable to call for help due to radio system issues.
  • For more than a year, the transit union has been raising concerns about the unreliable radio system.

The players

Bibi Bano

An MTA bus driver who was assaulted on the job in October 2025 and was unable to call for help due to radio system failures.

John Chiarello

The president of TWU Local 100, the transit union that is speaking out about the unreliable radio system.

Janno Lieber

The chair and CEO of the MTA, who defended the radio system and rejected the union's claims.

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What they’re saying

“I don't really call command center unless I have an emergency, and that day I had an emergency.”

— Bibi Bano, MTA Bus Driver (CBS News New York)

“They're not going to put this under the carpet. We're going to make sure ... all the radios are working. We're asking for, in the meantime, to install cellphones on the buses because we are not supposed to be using cellphones. Union members get written up and in some cases are fired for multiple usages.”

— John Chiarello, TWU Local 100 President (CBS News New York)

“Listen, we don't agree that the bus radio system isn't working. Here's the bottom line: the dispute with that union is they say that instead of having people sit in the bus command center and using technology and consoles and all modern technology to supervise and manage the bus system, that the way you manage the bus system is to have people stand on corners when they can't see where the buses are. We reject that.”

— Janno Lieber, MTA Chair and CEO (CBS News New York)

What’s next

The MTA has indicated it will not immediately fix the radio system issues, instead defending its current approach. The transit union has vowed to continue pressing the MTA to address the problems and ensure the safety of bus drivers and passengers.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the importance of reliable communication systems for public transit, as well as the ongoing tensions between transit unions and management over safety and operational issues. The MTA's dismissive response to the union's concerns raises questions about its commitment to addressing this problem and ensuring the wellbeing of its workforce and riders.