Mamdani Shortchanges MTA — by $621M — in Preliminary Budget While Pushing Free Buses

Mamdani shortchanges MTA — by $621M — in preliminary budget while pushing free buses

The Mamdani administration has underestimated how much it will owe the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in the mayor's first budget, even as he pursues a campaign pledge to make city buses free, a budget watchdog said.

Mamdani Calls for Free Express Buses. Some Riders Say They Want Better Service Instead.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani campaigned on a promise to make the city’s buses “fast and free” – and that includes the pricier express buses that service some of the least transit-friendly neighborhoods in New York City, he confirmed for the first time last week. Unlike a typical Metropolitan Transportation Authority bus, the rides feature plush seats, fewer stops and cost $7.25 each way — on par with the Long Island Rail Road peak city fare. Average dai…