The argument over free public transport is raging in New York, where mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has made free buses part of his programme, and all the enemies of decent public services are coming out to attack him. Let’s listen and learn, London!

Some very heavyweight economists are backing Mamdani, and free buses. From this open letter published in The Nation:

“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.” 

What’s more, the bus drivers’ union leader supports the fare-free plan.

Published: 22nd June 2025.