Mamdani’s 'free' buses would cost New Yorkers $1 billion annually
New York City taxpayers could pay just over $1.1 billion annually for Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s “free” buses, per a new New York City Independent Budget Office estimate. It’s the latest major socialist campaign promise revealed to be more expensive than originally advertised. Go figure.
TL;DR
- New York City taxpayers could pay over $1.1 billion annually for proposed free bus service.
- This cost is a significant increase from previous estimates cited by Mayor Mamdani.
- The Independent Budget Office believes the cost could increase year over year.
- Factors contributing to potential cost increases include more buses, overtime, new hires, and lost subway revenue.
- This estimate adds to existing concerns about the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's budget, which faces a projected $1.1 billion structural gap by 2029.