Overview
- Mayor Zohran Mamdani, in comments Tuesday reported by Politico, signaled he is no longer pushing to make all New York City buses free this year and is instead seeking a renewed fare‑free bus pilot.
- Both chambers in Albany included language for a pilot in their one‑house budget bills, which Mamdani called a first step as negotiations with the governor and legislative leaders continue.
- State Sen. Jeremy Cooney, who chairs the Senate Transportation Committee, said making every city bus free is not financially feasible, urging a focus on targeted help within existing programs.
- Gov. Kathy Hochul and City Council Speaker Julie Menin support expanding Fair Fares, which gives half‑price rides to low‑income New Yorkers and now serves about 400,000 people at a cost near $96 million a year.
- Mamdani says he remains committed to eventually making buses fast and free, though broader fare relief would require far more funding, with outside estimates topping $150 million for bigger expansions.