Mamdani Faces Backlash After City Bus Fares Increase
New York City’s newly sworn-in mayor is already facing political blowback as transit fares climbed this week—despite his high-profile campaign pledge to make city buses free for all residents.
Transit riders across the city began paying higher fares after the Metropolitan Transportation Authority enacted a long-scheduled increase, raising base bus and subway fares from $2.90 to $3. Reduced fares rose to $1.50, while express bus fares jumped to $7.25, according to Newsweek.
The increase took effect just days after Zohran Mamdani assumed office, fueling online criticism from residents who pointed to his repeated promises of fare-free buses. Critics argue the situation underscores a familiar problem with progressive governance: sweeping campaign rhetoric colliding with fiscal reality in America’s largest city.
While the mayor does not directly control MTA fare-setting, the timing of the hike reignited debate over whether ambitious transit promises can be delivered without imposing new taxes or expanding taxpayer subsidies. The fare increase was approved last year by the MTA Board as part of its routine budget process, with officials citing rising operating costs and inflation.
Attempting to blunt criticism, Mamdani took to social media over the weekend, noting that he rode the city’s only fare-free route—the Q70 bus—to speak with riders. He did not, however, announce any policy changes or a timeline for implementing free buses citywide.
“Today, New York City subway and bus fares rose from $2.90 to $3. I spent the evening riding the only free bus in the city, the Q70, to hear what a fare free ride has meant for New Yorkers,” Mamdani wrote on X on Sunday. “What was clear right away was the relief this one bus line gives working class New Yorkers. Imagine if every bus felt like this.”
The mayor’s comments echoed earlier campaign rhetoric. “As mayor, I’ll make every bus fast and free,” Mamdani said in a campaign video last year.
He reinforced that pledge during his inauguration speech after taking office Thursday, declaring: “Getting on a bus without worrying about a fare hike or whether you’ll be late to your destination will no longer be deemed a small miracle—because we will make buses fast and free.”
Despite the fact that the fare hike was approved before Mamdani took office and is controlled by the MTA Board, criticism continued online. As Newsweek noted, social media users were quick to connect the rising costs to the mayor’s unfulfilled promise.
“Mamdani promised us a free ride, but all we got is a higher fare,” one X user wrote, per the outlet.
“Bus and Subway fares in NYC are jumping to $3 as of today. The good mayor promised free. Hoodwinked!” another user said.
Others pushed back, noting that Mamdani “has been in office for 3 days” and that “the fare increase was set in September.”
Supporters of the increase argue that fares are essential to maintaining and operating the transit system, warning that freezing or eliminating them would require alternative funding—likely in the form of higher taxes or reduced services. The MTA has repeatedly cautioned that without periodic fare adjustments, the agency could face deeper budget shortfalls or service cuts.
On its website, the MTA explained: “Fares and tolls give the MTA resources to operate a safe and reliable transportation system that New Yorkers can count on. Fare and toll changes are small and occur at regular intervals to keep up with inflation and avoid surprising customers with unpredictable or double-digit increases.”
The transit controversy comes as Mamdani faces additional scrutiny. On Thursday, a federal bankruptcy judge blocked his administration’s attempt to intervene in the sale of thousands of rent-stabilized apartments. City officials sought to delay the transaction after tenants accused the current owner, Pinnacle Group, of failing to maintain the properties.
As Mamdani begins his tenure, critics say the early clashes highlight a growing divide between progressive promises and the hard realities of governing a fiscally strained city.