Some very heavyweight economists are backing Mamdani, and free buses https://www.thenation.com/article/economy/economists-zohran-mamdani-new-york-city/ “Mamdani’s prioritization of free buses builds on the success already demonstrated by the fare-free bus pilot program on five lines in each borough of New York City. Eliminating fares was shown to increase bus ridership by more than 30 percent, markedly reduce violence against bus drivers, and provide real economic relief for low-income New Yorkers. The data from the pilot confirm that the fare-free bus model works and Mamdani’s proposal to expand it citywide makes clear fiscal sense.”
And the bus drivers’ union leader supports the fare-free plan. This news report explains it in 2 min 40 sec
