New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed Wednesday that his administration will not implement fare-free buses in 2026, delaying a key campaign promise as officials continue discussions with state legislators. While the goal of eliminating fares remains, broader rollout plans face financial and political hurdles, with costs estimated at hundreds of millions annually.

Mamdani suggested a more limited initial step could involve reviving a fare-free bus pilot program. “Both legislative houses included language within their one-house budget proposals in support of bringing back a free-bus pilot program,” he said, noting that the idea remains part of ongoing budget negotiations.

The delay comes amid tensions in City Hall, with Mamdani urging supporters to focus critiques on policy substance rather than personal attacks against City Council Speaker Julie Menin. Budget disagreements have intensified in recent weeks, reflecting deeper divisions over spending priorities and projected deficits.

On other city matters, Mamdani defended his administration’s handling of a racial equity report, saying officials strengthened an “inherited diluted report” before public review. He emphasized the findings highlighted “stark racial disparities in the city.”

Mamdani also addressed national issues, including the conflict in Iran, reiterating his opposition to war. “Any threat to kill an entire civilization is something that all of us should oppose,” he said, while declining to speculate on the 2028 presidential race.

Transit fares in New York rose to $3 earlier this year under a plan approved before Mamdani took office, highlighting the limits of mayoral control over the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and complicating his efforts to deliver on a fare-free bus promise.

Despite the setback, Mamdani stressed his commitment to affordability and said discussions with state leaders continue as the city seeks ways to make public transit faster and more accessible.