Strike!

NEW YORK - The city's transit union called a strike Tuesday morning after failing to reach a deal with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority following days of bitter labor talks, ensuring that New York will be thrown into chaos by the height of the morning rush.

Bus drivers have been instructed to drop off all passengers and return to their depots, and subways will finish their trips before turnstiles are chained and locked up. Exits will remain open to allow any last passengers off before the stations are shuttered.The union posted a strike plan on its Web site, instructing members to lock up facilities safely and document everything they do to prevent "management sabotage."

The last citywide bus and subway strike in New York was in 1980. The walkout lasted 11 days.