WASHINGTON (TNND) — Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul pushed back on mayoral-elect Zohran Mamdani’s plan to make city busses free in the Big Apple.
During a press conference at the SOMOS political retreat in Puerto Rico, Gov. Hochul appeared to cast doubt on if she would support Mamdani making busses in New York City free.
“We’re spending a lot of money, so 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,” she said, according to The New York Post.
She added that it was possible to make bussing more affordable in the city.
Mamdani said that he would continue to push through with his campaign promises to make the busses free.
“I continue to be excited at the work of making the slowest buses in America fast and free,” he said Monday.
“And I appreciate the governor’s continued partnership in delivering on that agenda of affordability.”
Hochul endorsed Mamdani two months before the mayoral election, stating he would make life affordable for those in the city.
She said while they disagreed on some issues, they both want affordability to be better across the state.
“But in our conversations, I heard a leader who shares my commitment to a New York where children can grow up safe in their neighborhoods and where opportunity is within reach for every family,” she said. “I heard a leader who is focused on making New York City affordable — a goal I enthusiastically support.”