New York Governor Kathy Hochul has voiced her opposition to the socialist mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's ambitious proposal to make bus rides free within the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) system.
During a recent press conference, Hochul emphasized the financial implications of such a plan, stating, "I cannot set forth a plan right now that takes money out of a system that relies on the fares of the buses and the subways. But can we find a path to make it more affordable for people who need help? Of course, we can."
As reported by The Post Millennial, Mamdani's initiative to eliminate bus fares was a cornerstone of his mayoral campaign. He has urged the MTA, which falls under Governor Hochul's jurisdiction, to adopt a fare-free model. However, the MTA has expressed reservations about the feasibility of this proposal, which Mamdani estimates could incur a cost of $700 million.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber highlighted the need for a thorough examination of the potential consequences of such a policy. "If a lot more people are riding the bus, are we going to need more buses or are we going to need more bus drivers?"
Lieber questioned. "Will we need extra depots? What will be the impact on subway fare revenue if everyone moves to the or some people move to the bus, right? Those need to be studied."
Despite having supported Mamdani during his campaign, Hochul has distanced herself from his socialist agenda, clarifying her stance over the weekend. "I dont support them. Ive made that clear," she asserted, referring to the Democratic Socialists of America, of which Mamdani is a member.
Hochul reaffirmed her commitment to maintaining New York City's capitalist framework, emphasizing the importance of its legacy industries in generating economic revenue. "New York City would remain a capitalist city focused on our legacy industries that must prosper because theyre the ones who generate the economic revenue, the revenue that we use to have programs that lift our people up," she stated.
In the face of criticism and skepticism regarding his socialist policies, Mamdani remains steadfast in his commitment to the working class. He reiterated his campaign's focus on addressing the challenges faced by working New Yorkers, asserting, "Ive said throughout the entirety of this campaign that this is a campaign to bring the struggles of working New Yorkers back to the focus of our politics, and to ensure that City Hall is seen as a place that not only recognizes those struggles but also delivers on the needs of those working people."
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