Mamdani Promises Public Transit Commute as NYC Mayoral Candidate
Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani announced on October 8, 2025, that he intends to commute to City Hall using the city’s public transit system, including buses, subways, and bicycles, if elected. Speaking to reporters while riding the slowest bus in New York City, the M57, Mamdani emphasized the importance of moving through the city like a typical New Yorker. He stated, “Every now and then, absolutely, you have to move around the city the way New Yorkers do.”
Mamdani, currently polling as the front-runner in the upcoming November mayoral election, acknowledged that safety concerns related to his public life, including the threat of death threats, could complicate his commuting plans. “It just means you have to think through a couple more steps when you’re making this type of commute,” he added, but reaffirmed that it would not change how he navigates the city.
Commuting Pledge Amid Challenges
The pledge to utilize public transit echoes a similar commitment made by current Mayor Eric Adams, who has largely relied on his NYPD security detail for transportation since taking office in January 2022. Mamdani’s bus ride served to highlight his campaign’s push for improvements to local transit and the proposal to make bus travel free for all New Yorkers.
A central part of Mamdani’s platform includes plans to fund fare-free buses through significant tax increases on the city’s wealthiest residents and corporations. This initiative would require approval from the state government, a prospect that has drawn skepticism from critics, such as independent candidate Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo argued that Governor Kathy Hochul is unlikely to support tax increases given her own challenging reelection campaign next year.
Despite facing criticism, Mamdani has expressed his willingness to explore alternative revenue options. He highlighted the support he has received from Democratic leaders in the state legislature, such as Assemblyman Carl Heastie and state Senator Andrew Stewart-Cousins, who have publicly endorsed his taxation proposal.
Advocating for Public Transit Improvements
During his nearly 40-minute ride from West 72nd Street to East 55th Street, Mamdani concluded with a rally attended by notable supporters, including Congressman Jerry Nadler and City Comptroller Brad Lander. The gathering focused on advocating for free public buses, a key aspect of Mamdani’s campaign.
After the rally, Mamdani transitioned to an electric CitiBike for the journey back to his campaign office, accompanied by the New York Daily News. While biking through Midtown, he faced heckling from a passerby who repeatedly called him a “communist.” In response, Mamdani referenced similar accusations directed at President Donald Trump, asserting, “It’s no surprise to see that there are people who will hear that and then will echo it.” Mamdani identifies himself as a democratic socialist.
Mamdani also emphasized the necessity of expanding bus lanes, stating, “What good is a free bus if it’s a slow bus?” He criticized Mayor Adams for failing to meet benchmarks for bus lane construction outlined in the city’s 2019 Streets Master Plan. Nevertheless, he refrained from blaming the city’s Department of Transportation, placing the responsibility on political appointees and barriers imposed by the current administration.
As he prepares for the upcoming election, Mamdani indicated he would evaluate potential appointees based on their work performance, rather than their political affiliations. “I’m going to assess everyone on the basis of their work, on the basis of their merit, not on the basis of who appointed them,” he stated.
Mamdani’s commitment to using public transit and advocating for its expansion reflects a broader vision aimed at fostering a more accessible and efficient transportation system for all New Yorkers.
