WASHINGTON (TNND) — New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said in an exclusive interview with Politico that his campaign promise of free busses won’t happen this year.
During the interview, the reporter said that in Albany, there has not been a free bus plan in any budget proposals and asked Mamdani if it will be done in 2026 or 2027.
“Both legislative houses included language within their one-house budget proposals in support of bringing back a free-bus pilot program,” he answered. “That is something that we are encouraged by, and it continues to be part of budget negotiations.”
He said he was encouraged by the conversations happening about free busses happen.
“I’m absolutely committed to making buses fast and free, and we’re encouraged by the conversations we’re having with the governor and legislative leaders to take action on that in 2026 as a first step,” he said.
Mamdani ran on a democratic socialist platform when he ran for mayor last year. Some of his campaign promises included rent freezing and free busses.
During the Politico interview, Mamdani was asked if he would run for president in 2028.
Comment with Bubbles
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
“I will be honest with you, I have not thought much about 2028,” he said. “I’m thinking about 2026 and I’m thinking about how we can deliver for New Yorkers. But I will give you that I did not expect that question.”