
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Proposes Fare‑Free NYC Buses During World Cup 2026
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has introduced a proposal to offer fare-free bus service throughout the city for five weeks during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The plan, which would run from mid‑June to mid‑July 2026, is designed to help ease transportation for both residents and the expected influx of visitors. It also aims to demonstrate the feasibility of fare-free transit in a large urban area. The Proposal to Make NYC Buses Free for Five Weeks Mayor Mamdani’s proposal was officially announced in February 2026. The plan would provide fare-free service across the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) bus network during the peak of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, timed to coincide with the arrival of international fans, teams, and media. While New York City itself will not host matches, nearby MetLife Stadium in New Jersey is slated to host several games, which will bring a surge of visitors to the region. The proposal is positioned as a pilot program that could test the viability of fare-free transit on a larger scale, with potential long-term benefits for both New Yorkers and visitors. The city expects that over 1 million visitors could pass through the region during the tournament, which could













































