NYC mayoral candidate Mamdani plans to use a bicycle and public transit for commuting if elected.

Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani has announced plans to utilize public transportation as his primary means of commuting to City Hall, should he be elected. This commitment, underscored during a press conference on October 8, emphasizes his intention to integrate with the daily experiences of New Yorkers by traveling by bus, subway, and bicycle.

Mamdani’s statements come at a time when he is viewed as the frontrunner in the upcoming November mayoral election. However, he acknowledged the challenges posed by threats to his safety, which complicate his commuting approach. He noted that the current climate of public life necessitates additional precautions while maintaining his commitment to using the city’s transit systems.

The choice to travel by public transit was vividly illustrated when Mamdani took the M57 bus—a route recognized for its sluggish pace—across Manhattan. This demonstration not only highlighted the importance of accessible public transportation but also reinforced one of Mamdani’s key campaign priorities: advocating for fare-free bus services. His proposal aims to fund this initiative through elevated taxes on New York’s wealthiest residents and corporations, a strategy that critics, including independent mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo, have labeled as unrealistic, especially given the current political climate and the upcoming reelection campaign of Governor Kathy Hochul.

In response to skepticism about his funding proposals, Mamdani remained optimistic, suggesting that support from influential Democratic leaders in the state legislature could bolster his efforts. His remarks came at the end of a nearly 40-minute bus ride from West 72nd Street to East 55th Street, culminating in a rally attended by prominent supporters, including Congressman Jerry Nadler and City Comptroller Brad Lander.

Post-press conference, Mamdani utilized an electric CitiBike to return to his campaign office, further embodying his message of active transportation. His ride was met with mixed reactions, including some public dissent.

Mamdani emphasized the need for improved bus infrastructure, arguing that effective bus lanes are essential to accompany any fare-free initiative. He criticized the current administration under Mayor Eric Adams for failing to adhere to the bus lane construction benchmarks outlined in the city’s 2019 Streets Master Plan. While he expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of progress on transportation improvements, he refrained from directly blaming the Department of Transportation, suggesting that broader political obstacles hindered their efforts.

Looking towards the future, Mamdani indicated that he would evaluate personnel at the Department of Transportation based on their performance, regardless of who initially appointed them, showing a pragmatic approach to governance in his campaign for the mayoralty.

Mamdani continues to position himself as a candidate committed to enhancing public transportation to foster a more accessible and equitable New York City. His proactive stance on fare-free transit and infrastructure improvement resonates with a significant segment of the electorate seeking new solutions to urban mobility challenges. The outcome of the upcoming election will determine if Mamdani’s vision for public transit can become a reality.