New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) reported a $31 million decline in bus fare revenue during the first six months of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s tenure, as officials attribute the drop to a surge in fare evasion. The MTA recorded a nearly 8% decline in paid bus ridership in June 2024 compared to the same month last year, with agency estimates indicating that nearly half of bus riders now skip the $3 fare.
Transit union leaders and experts warn that political rhetoric around "free buses" has contributed to the trend, despite the MTA being controlled by state officials rather than City Hall. In July, MTA Chairman Janno Lieber cited the discourse as a factor in the increase in fare evasion, stating, 'With malice towards none, I say all of the talk of free buses, it has an impact.'
The MTA, which operates under Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul’s jurisdiction, has not implemented free bus policies. However, Mamdani made "fast and free buses" a central campaign promise during his 2025 mayoral run. On July 8, Mamdani and Hochul announced a joint plan to prioritize speeding up bus routes instead of eliminating fares.
Transit union response
John V. Chiarello, president of Transport Workers Union Local 100—representing over 40,000 transit workers—described current fare evasion levels as the "worst" drivers have seen. Chiarello noted that buses were temporarily free during the COVID-19 pandemic, and while the MTA worked to reverse the resulting habit of non-payment, the behavior has resurfaced in recent months.
Policy and political context
The MTA’s revenue loss coincides with broader debates over public transit funding and accessibility. Critics argue that unfulfilled promises of free services may undermine public trust in transit systems, while advocates contend that fare reductions could improve ridership and equity. The MTA has not announced immediate changes to fare enforcement but continues to monitor ridership trends.
Background: The MTA’s role
The MTA, a state-run agency, oversees New York City’s subway and bus systems. While the mayor’s office sets citywide policy, the MTA operates independently under state authority. The agency has faced financial challenges in recent years, including declining ridership and budget deficits, prompting discussions about long-term funding solutions.