Trump Administration Plan To Block Free Bus Transit in Major Cities Could Torpedo Major Mamdani Campaign Pledge

The Trump administration is proposing to bar large cities from providing free bus transit if they receive federal funds, a move that could jeopardize transportation programs nationwide and serves as a direct challenge to New York City’s potential transit plans.The Transportation Department hopes to include the measure in an upcoming surface transportation bill, which requires congressional approval, according to a draft proposal reported by Politico.Under the draft legislation, transportation agencies in areas with populations of more than 200,000 and fleets of more than 100 buses would be required to charge a fare. If they refuse, federal funding administered by the Federal Transit Administration would be withheld.“This policy would help ensure the largest federally supported systems are safer and more adequately funded by users,” the document says.The proposal notes that fare-free policies “can result in unsustainable finances for the agency and potential safety issues,” citing reports of disruptive passengers on free services.While the proposal would affect transit systems in cities as diverse as Richmond, Virginia, and Albuquerque, New Mexico, it appears specifically calibrated to disrupt policies in New York City. New Mayor Zohran Mamdani ran a campaign predicated on affordability, including a commitment to “permanently eliminate the fare on every city bus.”Before the mayoral election, President Trump threatened to withhold money from the city if Mr. Mamdani won. “He is going to have problems with Washington like no Mayor in the history of our once great city,” Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social.The new proposal includes exceptions for specific riders — including seniors, people with disabilities, children, students, and veterans — as well as major global events. Subsidized routes like university systems also would be exempt.Notably, the FIFA 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles would be exempt from the ban. However, the surface transportation bill is not expected to be finalized before the World Cup begins.The move has already drawn criticism on Capitol Hill. Congressman Rick Larsen, a Washington Democrat and ranking member on the House Transportation Committee, condemned the plan.“This proposal makes no sense,” Mr. Larsen said in a statement. “Transit agencies are pretty good at making their own decisions about how to operate to meet local needs. The FTA should be in a position to support them, not undermine them.”

Trump Administration Plan To Block Free Bus Transit in Major Cities Could Torpedo Major Mamdani Campaign Pledge

Trump Administration Plan To Block Free Bus Transit in Major Cities Could Torpedo Major Mamdani Campaign Pledge

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