The Brian Lehrer Show The Mayoral Candidates on Transportation
Jun 20, 2025
Stephen Nessen, a transportation reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, discusses mayoral candidates' stances on public transportation in New York City. He highlights Assemblyman Mamdani's push for free bus services and contrasts it with the Staten Island Ferry. Nessen reveals the struggles of the 'summer of hell' subway crisis and improvements in service performance. He also covers the Vision Zero initiative's focus on street safety, plus the challenges of e-bikes and scooters in urban traffic.
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Free Bus Pilot Rider Experience
- Reporters observed the NYC free bus pilot lines and found riders were mostly regular users, not new riders.
- Many workers and families saved significant money by no longer buying bus passes.
Free Buses Economic Impact
- Economist Charles Komanoff estimates free buses could save New Yorkers $1.5 billion in time.
- Free buses might move 12% faster and cost roughly $630 million annually funded by taxing the top 2% earners.
Bus Lane Installation Law Ignored
- NYC's Streets Master Plan legally requires installing 30 miles of new bus lanes yearly.
- Mayor Eric Adams has not complied, and penalties are unclear and unenforced by City Council.