The Citizens Budget Commission argues that Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s proposal to make bus rides free would not make transit more affordable for low-income New Yorkers. Instead, the group recommends expanding the Fair Fares program to include residents earning up to 250% of the federal poverty level, a move that would cost significantly less and benefit more working commuters.
A new report from the Citizens Budget Commission (CBC) challenges Mayor Zohran Mamdani ’s proposal to make bus rides free, arguing that the plan would not significantly improve transit affordability for low-income New Yorkers.
Instead, the fiscal watchdog group recommends expanding the city’s Fair Fares program, which provides half-priced subway, bus, and paratransit rides to eligible residents. The CBC suggests raising the income threshold for Fair Fares eligibility from 150% to 250% of the federal poverty level, a move that would benefit far more working New Yorkers at a fraction of the cost of free buses.
The report highlights that nearly three-quarters of low-income commuters rely on the subway rather than buses, making the expansion of Fair Fares a more cost-effective solution. CBC President Andrew Rein emphasized that the proposed expansion would cost the city $146 million annually, compared to the $900 million required for free buses, a critical consideration as the Mamdani administration grapples with a $5.4 billion budget deficit.
Rein noted that the higher threshold would include full-time workers earning just above minimum wage, potentially increasing program enrollment, which currently stands at only 30% to 40% of eligible residents. The report also suggests that expanding Fair Fares could help address the program’s low uptake by including more working individuals who commute daily.
The CBC’s recommendations come ahead of a May 6 City Council hearing on Fair Fares, where council members will question the Mamdani administration and MTA officials about the program’s future. The report underscores the need for fiscally responsible solutions to transit affordability, particularly as the city faces significant budget challenges. The CBC argues that expanding Fair Fares is a smarter investment, providing greater benefits to low-income workers while minimizing financial strain on the city.
The debate over transit affordability continues as policymakers weigh the merits of free buses versus expanded fare assistance programs
Transit Affordability Fair Fares Program Mayor Zohran Mamdani Citizens Budget Commission New York City Budget
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