MTA CEO blames free-bus promises for fare evasion surge

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, July 30, 2026

The MTA reported a 7.7% decline in paid weekday bus ridership in June 2026 and increased fare evasion, attributing these trends to public discussion around Mayor Mamdani’s proposal for free bus rides. This raises concerns about the transit agency’s financial stability, as implementing citywide free bus service could cost $1.1 billion and exacerbate projected budget deficits through 2029.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is attributing a recent surge in fare evasion and a notable decline in paid bus ridership to public discourse around free bus rides, a concept advocated by New York City Mayor Mamdani. MTA CEO Janno Lieber addressed the issue on July 30, citing the mayor’s campaign promise of free buses as a factor contributing to a 7.7% drop in paid weekday bus ridership in June compared to the same month in 2025.

Lieber, speaking after an MTA board meeting, did not mention Mamdani by name but referred to the widespread talk of “free buses” as having an impact on passenger behavior. He described the decline in fare-paying riders as “the reality of fare evasion” and suggested that such promises may have normalized the act of not paying fares among some passengers. While he refrained from directly blaming the mayor, Lieber emphasized the need to “re-establish” a culture of payment and urged riders to take responsibility for sustaining the transit system.

According to MTA data, paid weekday bus ridership fell consistently in 2026, with January, May, and June showing year-over-year decreases. January’s paid ridership was down 8.1% from 2025, with May experiencing a 10.4% decline, and June recording 1.22 million paid rides compared to 1.32 million in June 2025. No ridership data was made available for February through April.

Lieber highlighted that fare evasion is not limited to individuals unable to afford the $3 fare, pointing to riders who are employed and still choose not to pay. He underscored the financial burden this places on other taxpayers, saying, “Somebody’s going to have to pay for that ride.” The MTA chief called for a fairer system with stronger enforcement measures to ensure equitable participation from all riders.

Mayor Mamdani has made “fast and free buses” a cornerstone of his administration’s agenda, referencing a 2023 MTA pilot program that tested five fare-free routes, which he described as a success. However, the MTA reported that the pilot resulted in more than $16.5 million in lost revenue.

The financial implications of implementing free bus service citywide are significant. The Independent Budget Office estimates the cost at approximately $1.1 billion. Meanwhile, the MTA projects growing deficits over the next three years — $295 million in 2027, $507 million in 2028, and $707 million in 2029 — leading the agency to caution that it cannot absorb such losses without jeopardizing financial stability.

Lieber has maintained a measured tone, stopping short of direct criticism of Mamdani’s proposal, but he has indicated that fully free bus service would be financially unsustainable for the state-controlled MTA under current fiscal conditions. The agency continues to balance the goal of making public transit more accessible with the challenges of maintaining revenue and operational viability.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.