Political promises of "free buses" in New York City are contributing to a spike in fare evasion that is costing the city's mass transit system millions of dollars, transit officials warn.
In July, Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Chairman Janno Lieber blamed political rhetoric for fueling fare evasion, though he never mentioned Mayor Zohran Mamdani by name.
"There's a trend that broke out," Lieber told reporters following a meeting of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board, according to the New York Post. "With malice towards none, I say all of the talk of free buses, it has an impact."
The MTA reported that paid bus ridership fell nearly 8% in June compared to the same month last year. During Mamdani's first six months in office, bus fare revenue fell by $31 million compared to the first half of 2025. Agency estimates show nearly half of bus riders now skip the $3 fare.
Mamdani Shrugs Off Aoc's 'Woke 1' Comments, But Critic Says Progressives Can't Be Absolved Of 'Radical' Past
#lieber
In July, Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Chairman Janno Lieber blamed political rhetoric for fueling fare evasion, though he never mentioned Mayor Zohran Mamdani by name.
"There's a trend that broke out," Lieber told reporters following a meeting of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board, according to the New York Post. "With malice towards none, I say all of the talk of free buses, it has an impact."
The MTA reported that paid bus ridership fell nearly 8% in June compared to the same month last year. During Mamdani's first six months in office, bus fare revenue fell by $31 million compared to the first half of 2025. Agency estimates show nearly half of bus riders now skip the $3 fare.
Mamdani Shrugs Off Aoc's 'Woke 1' Comments, But Critic Says Progressives Can't Be Absolved Of 'Radical' Past
#lieber
7 days ago
