NYC Mayor Seeks Free Buses During World Cup

Mamdani proposes pilot program to boost public transit use during soccer tournament

Feb. 11, 2026 at 2:47pm

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is pressing the state governor's office to make all NYC buses free during the five weeks that the FIFA World Cup matches will be played in the region this summer. The pilot proposal is Mamdani's attempt to demonstrate the value of a permanently free bus service, which has faced opposition from state officials. The free bus program could generate buzz and increase political pressure to enact the proposal, which aims to provide financial relief to the 1 in 5 New Yorkers who struggle to pay for public transit.

Why it matters

Making buses free during the World Cup could boost ridership and public support for Mamdani's broader plan to implement a permanent free bus system across New York City. However, the proposal faces resistance from state officials who control bus fare policies and are focused on reducing fare evasion to recoup revenue for the transit authority's $21 billion annual budget.

The details

Mamdani is seeking the governor's help to make all NYC buses free for the five weeks of the World Cup, from mid-June to mid-July, when over 1.2 million visitors are expected to travel to the region. A successful pilot program could increase political pressure to enact the free bus proposal, which has been opposed by Gov. Kathy Hochul and Metropolitan Transportation Authority leaders. The state-run MTA, not the city, sets bus fare policies, and bus fares cover a large share of its operating budget.

  • The World Cup matches will be played from mid-June to mid-July at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
  • In 2023, Mamdani, then a state assemblyman, successfully pushed for a limited free-bus pilot program in NYC.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who is pressing the governor's office to make all NYC buses free during the World Cup as part of his broader plan to implement a permanent free bus system.

Kathy Hochul

The governor of New York who has so far been unwilling to back Mamdani's plans to make buses free and raise taxes on wealthy New Yorkers.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)

The state-led authority that runs the bus service in New York City and sets policies involving bus fares, which help cover a large share of its $21 billion annual operating budget.

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What they’re saying

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— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

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— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.