Governor Hochul Sides with Corporate Interests, Hesitates on Mayor-Elect Mamdani’s Bold Free Bus Plan

Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed reservations about Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s transformative plan to eliminate bus fares in New York City, once again putting the interests of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and its financial backers ahead of the city’s most vulnerable residents. Speaking at the Somos conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Hochul stated,

"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. But can we find a path to make it more affordable for people who need help? Of course, we can."

Mamdani’s proposal to make buses free—an initiative that would dramatically improve mobility and equity in the city—is estimated to cost $800 million annually. He has courageously suggested funding this through increased taxes on the ultra-wealthy and large corporations, a fair and necessary step toward economic justice. Yet, Hochul has signaled her opposition to asking the rich to pay their fair share, standing in the way of progress for everyday New Yorkers.

Despite her reluctance to embrace truly transformative change, Hochul and Mamdani have found some agreement on expanding universal childcare statewide, though Hochul remains cautious, citing the $15 billion annual price tag and proposing a slow, phased rollout that risks leaving many families behind. Mamdani’s campaign, meanwhile, is unapologetically focused on making life more affordable for all, championing free buses, universal childcare, and a rent freeze on rent-stabilized apartments—policies that would directly benefit working families and marginalized communities.

As the debate continues, it is clear that the fight for a fairer, more just New York City hinges on whether leaders like Hochul will finally prioritize people over profits and embrace bold, progressive solutions.