Overview
- Janno Lieber publicly challenged Zohran Mamdani’s proposal to eliminate bus fares, arguing it is ill‑considered and would not target low‑income riders.
- Lieber said replacing bus fare revenue could approach $1 billion in coming years, exceeding the campaign’s roughly $630–$700 million estimate.
- The MTA cited recent data showing nonpayment rates of 50% on Select Bus Service and 44% on local routes, shaping revenue projections.
- Implementing free buses would require years of study and likely sign‑off from MTA bondholders who are partly repaid by fare revenue, Lieber said.
- The remarks landed six days before the mayoral election; Mamdani’s campaign did not respond to requests for comment in the reported coverage.