Hochul resists free buses prioritizes child care | JQJO

Gov. Kathy Hochul signaled resistance to Zohran Mamdani’s plan to make New York City buses free, saying in San Juan she favors targeted subsidies for low-income riders to protect MTA finances. While the Democrats projected unity at a Puerto Rico gathering, Hochul said she will prioritize universal child care, likely phased in, and cited federal funding cuts. Free buses could top $800 million annually; child care may cost $15 billion statewide. MTA chief Janno Lieber urged prioritizing poorer riders, while transit union leader John Samuelsen backed Mamdani’s proposal. Talks on the agenda continue.