MTA boss Lieber slams Zohran Mamdani’s free buses pledge

MTA Boss Criticizes Mamdani’s Free Bus Plan

MTA CEO Janno Lieber has raised concerns about mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s proposal to provide free bus services across New York City. Lieber called the plan “half-baked” and pointed out that the estimated cost of $700 million per year was underestimated.

According to Lieber, the cost associated with implementing free bus programs could potentially exceed the projected amount due to increasing bus revenue in the coming years. He emphasized the need for a thorough analysis and review of the proposal before any implementation could take place.

While Mamdani’s campaign promises to prioritize people of limited income, Lieber highlighted the potential impact of more people opting for buses instead of subways. He stressed the importance of studying the implications of increased bus ridership on the transit system, including the need for additional buses, drivers, and depots.

Addressing the possibility of reduced subway fare revenue if a significant number of commuters switch to buses, Lieber emphasized the need for comprehensive studies to assess the overall impact of the proposed policy change.

Despite Mamdani’s vision of providing free bus services to MTA riders, Lieber cautioned that such a significant overhaul of the transit system would require careful consideration and planning to address potential challenges and ensure the sustainability of the transportation network.