New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani arrives at a press conference as New York State Nurses Association union members walk the picket line outside NewYork-Presbyterian Milstein hospital, during their strike in New York City, U.S., January 12, 2026. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
(New York, NY) – New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is reportedly exploring a plan to launch a free MTA bus pilot program during the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
According to sources cited by the Daily News, Mamdani’s team is in discussions with staff for New York Governor Kathy Hochul about making all city buses free for a five-week period in June and July, aligning with the global soccer tournament.
The proposed pilot program is estimated to cost approximately $100 million.
Free buses have been one of Mamdani’s key transportation goals, aimed at improving accessibility and easing congestion during major events.
However, the idea is not without opposition. Janno Lieber, Chair and CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, has previously pushed back on eliminating bus fare revenue, stating that any such move would require careful study to assess financial impacts on the transit system.
It remains unclear whether the state will approve the pilot or how it would be funded if implemented.
