NYC Explores Free Bus Pilot During World Cup

Mayor Mamdani proposes free MTA buses for 5 weeks to boost accessibility and ease congestion.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is reportedly in discussions with state officials to launch a free MTA bus pilot program during the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The proposed five-week initiative is estimated to cost $100 million and aims to improve accessibility and ease congestion in the city. However, the idea faces opposition from MTA leadership, who have expressed concerns about the financial impacts of eliminating bus fare revenue.

Why it matters

Free public transportation has long been a goal for Mayor Mamdani as a way to increase equity and reduce reliance on private vehicles. The World Cup presents a high-profile opportunity to test the feasibility of such a program, but its success would depend on securing state approval and funding.

The details

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. 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.

  • The proposed free bus pilot would run for 5 weeks in June and July 2026, coinciding with the FIFA World Cup.
  • Discussions between Mayor Mamdani's team and New York Governor Kathy Hochul's staff are currently underway.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City who is exploring a plan to launch a free MTA bus pilot program during the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

Kathy Hochul

The current governor of New York state, whose staff is in discussions with Mayor Mamdani's team about the proposed free bus pilot.

Janno Lieber

The Chair and CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, who has previously expressed concerns about the financial impacts of eliminating bus fare revenue.

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What they’re saying

“Any such move would require careful study to assess financial impacts on the transit system.”

— Janno Lieber, Chair and CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Daily News)

What’s next

It remains unclear whether the state will approve the pilot or how it would be funded if implemented.

The takeaway

The proposed free bus pilot during the World Cup highlights the ongoing debate around the feasibility and benefits of eliminating fares for public transportation in New York City, with concerns over the financial implications needing to be carefully weighed against the potential for increased accessibility and reduced congestion.