Summary
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing criticism after city bus and subway fares increased. The fare changes were made by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) before Mamdani took office, but they conflict with his campaign promise to make bus rides free. The fare adjustments began on Sunday, raising the basic fare by 10 cents.
Key Facts
- The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board approved fare increases in September 2025.
- As of Sunday, the base fare for buses and subways rose from $2.90 to $3.
- Mayor Zohran Mamdani promised free bus services during his campaign.
- Mamdani took office just days before the fare increase took effect.
- The fare increase was planned before Mamdani became mayor and was part of the MTA's 2025 budget.
- Fare increases generally happen every two years in New York City.
- Express bus fares also increased, from $7 to $7.25.
- The MTA says fare changes help maintain a reliable transportation system.
