New York City, November 17, 2025
Governor Kathy Hochul has raised concerns about Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s proposal to eliminate bus fares in New York City, highlighting financial constraints and operational challenges. While Mamdani aims to alleviate transportation costs for residents, the plan could incur more than $650 million annually and requires state approval for funding through increased taxes. The proposal has ignited a political debate, with some officials supporting the affordability agenda while others caution against its feasibility.
New York Governor Questions Mayor-Elect Mamdani’s Free Bus Proposal
New York City, NY – Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed reservations about Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s plan to eliminate bus fares, citing financial constraints and potential operational challenges.
Governor’s Concerns
Governor Hochul stated that she cannot set forth a plan right now to remove fares from a system that relies on fare revenue. She emphasized the need to find ways to make transportation more affordable for those in need without compromising the system’s financial stability.
Mayor-Elect’s Response
In response, Mamdani’s spokesperson indicated that the mayor-elect looks forward to collaborating with the governor to fund and implement the affordability agenda, including universal childcare and free buses.
Background on the Proposal
Mamdani’s proposal to make city buses free was a central aspect of his campaign, aiming to alleviate transportation costs for New Yorkers. However, the plan faces significant hurdles, including an estimated annual cost of over $650 million and the need for state approval to raise taxes on high-income residents and corporations to fund the initiative.
Political Dynamics
The proposal has sparked debate among state and city officials. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie has expressed support for Mamdani’s affordability agenda, including the free bus plan, while Governor Hochul has raised concerns about its feasibility and funding.
Conclusion
As Mayor-elect Mamdani prepares to take office, the future of the free bus proposal remains uncertain, contingent upon negotiations with state officials and the identification of sustainable funding sources.
FAQ
What is Governor Hochul’s stance on Mayor-elect Mamdani’s free bus proposal?
Governor Hochul has expressed reservations about the proposal, citing financial constraints and potential operational challenges. She stated that she cannot set forth a plan right now to remove fares from a system that relies on fare revenue.
How has Mayor-elect Mamdani responded to the governor’s concerns?
In response, Mamdani’s spokesperson indicated that the mayor-elect looks forward to collaborating with the governor to fund and implement the affordability agenda, including universal childcare and free buses.
What are the estimated costs associated with the free bus proposal?
The plan faces significant hurdles, including an estimated annual cost of over $650 million and the need for state approval to raise taxes on high-income residents and corporations to fund the initiative.
What is the political response to the free bus proposal?
The proposal has sparked debate among state and city officials. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie has expressed support for Mamdani’s affordability agenda, including the free bus plan, while Governor Hochul has raised concerns about its feasibility and funding.
Key Features of the Free Bus Proposal
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Objective | Eliminate bus fares to reduce transportation costs for New Yorkers. |
| Estimated Annual Cost | Over $650 million. |
| Funding Source | Proposed tax increases on high-income residents and corporations, requiring state approval. |
| Political Support | Supported by Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie; opposed by Governor Kathy Hochul due to financial concerns. |
Now Happening on X
- @libbyemmons (November 9, 2025): Kathy Hochul says no to Zohran Mamdani’s free NYC bus plan, noting the transit system relies on fares to function. View on X
- @DefiantLs (November 9, 2025): Kathy Hochul, who endorsed Mamdani, opposes his free bus policies, stating she cannot take money from a system reliant on bus and subway fares. View on X
- @nypmetro (November 10, 2025): Hochul slams brakes on Zohran Mamdani’s free NYC bus plan, warning it takes money out of a system that relies on fares. View on X
- @nypost (November 10, 2025): Hochul slams brakes on Zohran Mamdani’s free NYC bus plan, warning it takes money out of a system that relies on fares. View on X
- @RedWave_Press (November 10, 2025): New York Gov. Kathy Hochul appears to slap down newly elected Democrat Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s plan for free buses, citing reliance on fare revenue. View on X
- @orionscoldfire (November 10, 2025): Less than a week after NYC elected Zohran Mamdani mayor, Gov. Kathy Hochul declares no intention of funding free buses in New York City. View on X
- @Power36Flower (November 10, 2025): Kathy Hochul shuts down Zohran Mamdani’s free NYC bus plan, with reality intervening for naive NYC voters. View on X
- @ink_conscious (November 11, 2025): Gov. Kathy Hochul is pumping the brakes on Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani’s plan for free NYC buses, citing bondholder lawsuits, federal rules, and a $700M+ annual price tag, opposing required tax hikes. View on X
- @BonnieESpeck (November 13, 2025): Governor Kathy Hochul has explicitly stated her opposition to Zohran Mamdani’s proposal for fare-free NYC buses during the Somos conference in San Juan. View on X
- @jtinaglia (November 14, 2025): Zohran Mamdani campaigned on free buses in New York City, but the governor is pumping the brakes, citing reliance on transit fares. View on X
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