Zohran Mamdani Faces Questions on Funding for Free Bus Proposal

NEW YORK — November 21, 2025 — Zohran Mamdani, who is set to become New York City’s next mayor, is encountering scrutiny over how he plans to finance his proposal to make bus rides free across the city. While the initiative has drawn support from transit advocates and some community groups, officials and analysts are seeking details on the fiscal strategy to sustain such a program.

Mamdani has publicly committed to eliminating bus fares as part of his broader agenda to improve public transportation and reduce economic barriers for riders. However, he has not provided a clear explanation of the funding sources or budget adjustments that would cover the lost revenue from fare collection.

Currently, New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) relies on fare payments as a significant portion of its operating budget. According to transportation experts, making buses free would require either increased subsidies from the city or state, reallocation of existing funds, or new revenue streams to compensate for the shortfall.

City officials and transit advocates have emphasized the potential benefits of fare-free buses, including increased ridership, reduced traffic congestion, and improved access to jobs and services for low-income residents. Yet, without a detailed financial plan, questions remain about the feasibility and sustainability of the proposal.

Mamdani’s office has indicated that further details on funding will be forthcoming but has not yet outlined specific mechanisms such as tax changes, budget cuts in other areas, or partnerships with state and federal agencies. Analysts note that any significant change to the MTA’s funding structure would require coordination with multiple stakeholders and could face political challenges.

The MTA’s budget is complex, with revenues coming from fares, government subsidies, tolls, and other sources. Eliminating bus fares would reduce farebox revenue by hundreds of millions of dollars annually, according to estimates from transit policy groups. This gap would need to be filled to maintain service levels and prevent cuts elsewhere.

Mamdani’s proposal aligns with broader trends in some cities experimenting with fare-free transit to promote equity and environmental goals. However, New York City’s scale and financial complexity present unique challenges. Previous attempts to adjust fare policies have involved extensive negotiations and phased approaches.

As the mayor-elect prepares to take office, stakeholders including city council members, transit unions, and community organizations are watching closely. The discussion around funding free bus rides is expected to be a key issue during budget planning and policy debates in the coming months.

Mamdani’s ability to articulate a viable financial plan will be critical to advancing his transit agenda and addressing concerns about the city’s fiscal health. For now, the question of how to pay for free bus service remains unresolved, underscoring the challenges of implementing ambitious transportation reforms in one of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas.