Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Mamdani ran on fast and free buses. A new plan addresses the 'fast' part of his pitch.
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Apr 12, 2026
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Courtesy of the mayor's office
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Apr 12, 2026
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Mayor Zohran Mamdani plans to announce major commitments to reduce commute times for buses across the city, according to City Hall.
The goal of the project, spanning 45 major corridors across the five boroughs, is to speed up bus trips by 20%, according to City Hall.
Mamdani is expected to roll out the plan this afternoon at his 100 day event at the Knockdown Center in Maspeth, Queens.
Fast and free buses were a cornerstone of the democratic socialist’s mayoral campaign and he framed such services as an economic boost for working class residents.
The City Council is proposing a budget proposal that would give a million New Yorkers free subway and bus rides. Meanwhile, some Democratic lawmakers in Albany are pushing to revive a dormant pilot program that eliminated fares for one bus per borough. The lawmakers see it as a way to warm Gov. Kathy Hochul up to Mamdani’s proposal. Hochul has expressed worries about the cost of eliminating bus fares.
Some of the areas in the planned redesign include: Fordham Road in the Bronx; Madison Avenue in Manhattan, Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn; and the crosstown bus service in the Bronx. The proposed changes are expected to speed up commute times for 1 million residents, according to City Hall.
Mamdani’s administration plans to release additional details about the plan in the coming weeks.
Tagged
Politics
Zohran Mamdani
new york city
transit
transportation
Giulia Heyward
Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Mamdani plans redesign of Brooklyn's Third Avenue after nurse killed in hit-and-run
Sunset Park residents and street safety advocates have called on city officials to make the avenue safer for years.
By
Ramsey Khalifeh
Published Oct 28, 2026 at 4:00 a.m. ET
NJ Gov. Sherrill: Election is secure, noncitizens taken off voter rolls
The governor made the comments in the October edition of "Ask Governor Sherrill" on WNYC.
By
Michael Sol Warren
News
NJ Gov. Sherrill: Election is secure, noncitizens taken off voter rolls
The governor made the comments in the October edition of "Ask Governor Sherrill" on WNYC.
By
Michael Sol Warren
Ex-NYPD officer again faces murder charge in George Washington Bridge shooting
By
Samantha Max
Former NYC buildings boss helped reopen mayor's favored restaurant despite health violations
By
David Brand
1 killed, 4 others injured at Elizabeth, NJ vigil shooting
By
Catalina Gonella
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .