Can Mamdani Bring Free Buses to New York City?
Mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani has promised to eliminate bus fares as part of his ambitious campaign to make NYC more affordable. But transit experts say it’s easier said than done.
A New York City bus in Manhattan.
Photographer: Erik McGregor/LightRocket via Getty Images
Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral campaign to tackle New York City’s affordability crisis has struck a chord with voters, helping him clinch the Democratic nomination Tuesday in a major upset. But one of his signature promises — free buses — is raising questions about feasibility, funding and whether a NYC mayor could actually deliver.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority operates the city’s bus network, with more than a million weekday rides on average. Bus commuters tend to be lower-income compared to subway riders or drivers, which puts the $2.90 fare to ride into sharper focus. It’s part of why Mamdani is pledging to permanently eliminate it, as well as make buses faster and more efficient for passengers.