Sadia J. Choudhury New York City, November 9, 2025 —
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has pledged to make all city buses free of charge. However, Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed clear objections to implementing this proposal.
Key Points
• Mamdani noted that many New Yorkers cannot afford bus fares, calling it a major issue for the city.
• Governor Hochul stated:
“I cannot support a plan that draws funds from a system that relies on fares for buses and subways.”
This indicates she does not back the free bus policy until funding and operational issues are resolved.
• Analysts warn that if implemented, the policy could create an annual funding gap of approximately $600–800 million.
Potential Impacts and Challenges
• If implemented, the plan could make urban transportation more accessible for low-income residents.
• Funding, MTA oversight, and state cooperation remain major challenges.
• Experts caution that rapid implementation could negatively affect service quality, safety, and ongoing maintenance.
Key Watchpoints
• Outcomes of state legislation and funding frameworks.
• Coordination between the MTA and city-state authorities.
• Benefits for low-income residents and potential risks (service reductions, safety concerns, etc.).
• Whether the promise will be realistically implemented over the coming months.
