New York City’s new Mayor, Zohran Mamdani, who identifies as a democratic socialist, rose to office with a vision of revolutionizing the city’s transit system. During his campaign, Mamdani championed the idea of making bus rides across the Big Apple both rapid and free. However, his ambitions face a significant hurdle.

The crux of the issue lies in the fact that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), not the city itself, governs the bus system. This separation of control has become a roadblock for Mamdani’s aspirations of free public transportation.

Instead of the free rides Mamdani had hoped for, New Yorkers are bracing themselves for an imminent fare increase. In just a few days, bus fares in the city will see a slight uptick.

On January 4, the base fare for buses, along with subways and Access-A-Ride services, will rise. According to the MTA, “The base fare will increase by 10 cents, moving from $2.90 to $3.” The fare for reduced-fare riders is also set to rise, going from $1.45 to $1.50.

As the mayor recently took his oath at Old City Hall Station, the backdrop of his swearing-in ceremony serves as a poignant reminder of his transit-focused campaign promises. Yet, the challenge of realizing those goals remains as complex as the city’s sprawling transit system.

“The base fare for subways, local buses, and Access-A-Ride will increase 10 cents, from $2.90 to $3,” according to the MTA. “The reduced fare will increase from $1.45 to $1.50.” 

Another change is already in effect as of New Year’s Day.

“As of January 1, 2026, you can no longer buy or refill a MetroCard,” according to the MTA. 

At some point in 2026, the MetroCard will no longer be accepted, and coins will no longer be accepted for bus fares, according to the MTA. 

Signage advertising subway fare increases at the Dekalb Avenue subway platform in the Brooklyn borough of New York on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025.  (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

“If you still have a valid MetroCard, you can transfer the value to an OMNY Card at a Customer Service Center. You can also spend down the remaining value before it expires by paying for subway and bus rides,” the MTA has noted. “Once cash is no longer accepted on buses, you will still be able to use cash and coins to add value to an OMNY Card at vending machines in every subway station and at more than 2,700 retail locations.”