Albany, NY – There will be no free bus and subway rides for New Yorkers, despite campaign promises by Zohran Mamdani, the next mayor of the city. Today, Governor Kathy Hochul told reporters that Mamdani knew this, but kept promising it to voters in the city.
Supporters of New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani are reportedly voicing frustration after Gov. Kathy Hochul made it clear she will not back his proposal for “free” public bus service or his plan to fund it by hiking taxes on the wealthy.
The governor bluntly stated she could not endorse a policy that removes fare revenue from the state’s transit system, which depends heavily on riders’ payments.
Key Points
- Gov. Hochul rejected Zohran Mamdani’s “free bus” and “tax the rich” proposal.
- Hochul said the transit system depends on fare revenue and can’t afford the loss.
- The response drew criticism from left-wing supporters frustrated with her decision.
Hochul stands firm on transit funding
Speaking to reporters, Hochul emphasized that New York’s public transportation network requires sustainable funding, not symbolic gestures. “I cannot set forth a plan right now that takes money out of a system that relies on the fares of the buses and the subways,” she said, addressing questions about Mamdani’s proposal.
Hochul, a Buffalo native known for her no-nonsense style, added that she does not alter her policies under pressure from activists or political campaigns.
Progressive backlash builds
Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist who won this year’s election for mayor, has pushed for fare-free buses and new taxes targeting high earners to offset costs. His proposal gained attention among younger and left-leaning voters but now faces a dead end without the governor’s approval.
Online, supporters accused Hochul of betraying working-class New Yorkers, while others said the stance exposed the limits of the state’s progressive agenda. Critics pointed out that despite claims of unity, the governor and the city’s left-wing lawmakers remain sharply divided on fiscal priorities.
Focus shifts to safety and city leadership
Hochul also touched on issues beyond transit, emphasizing her commitment to maintaining public safety. She praised efforts to reduce crime and expressed confidence in the city’s police leadership, noting that the trend of lower crime rates must continue.
