Campaigning versus reality.
New York City Mayor Zohran “Marxist” Mamdani is now signaling that his plan for citywide free buses won’t happen this year — despite making it a cornerstone of his campaign.
Instead, the administration is pivoting to a more limited approach.
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“Both legislative houses included language within their one-house budget proposals in support of bringing back a free bus pilot program,” Mamdani said.
“That is something that we are encouraged by, and it continues to be part of budget negotiations.”
The shift comes after neither state nor city budget proposals included funding for a full-scale fare-free system, effectively sidelining the broader vision.
What’s left on the table is a pilot program.
That marks a notable step down from the sweeping promise of system-wide free buses that helped fuel Mamdani’s rise.
Still, the mayor is insisting the long-term goal hasn’t changed.
“We’re absolutely committed to making buses fast and free,” he said, pointing to ongoing talks with state leaders as a pathway forward.
But even that timeline is slipping.
The gap between campaign ambition and governing reality is now front and center.
And for riders hoping for immediate relief, the message is clear.
Free buses aren’t here yet — and they’re not coming anytime soon.
More over at The New York Post:
Zohran Mamdani backs down on cornerstone campaign promise of free NYC buses https://t.co/ptFGZOjby5 pic.twitter.com/Gxt3ZJGnIj
— New York Post (@nypost) April 8, 2026
