Expand NYC's Fare-Free Bus Pilot
New York State funded a one-year fare-free bus pilot through the MTA, placing one free route in each of New York City's five boroughs. The pilot demonstrated meaningful ridership gains and provided low-income New Yorkers with greater access to transit — but it is set to expire without new state appropriations.
Assembly Bill A6044 and Senate Bill S4421 (2025) would renew and expand the fare-free bus pilot for one additional year, growing the program from 5 routes to at least 15 routes citywide, at a capped cost of no more than $45 million. Both chambers' Democratic leadership included funding for the program in their respective budget proposals. Without a new appropriation, the pilot will end entirely, eliminating free bus service for thousands of daily riders.
Constituents are urging their State Assemblymembers and State Senators to support passage of A6044/S4421 and to ensure the necessary funding is included in the final state budget, so that the fare-free bus pilot can be renewed and expanded to at least 15 routes across New York City.
View Call Scripts
Live Call Script
Hello, I am an assistant calling on behalf of a constituent, {{first_name}} {{last_name}} from {{city}}, {{state}} zip code {{zip_code}}. The constituent is calling to urge {{representative_name}} to support Assembly Bill A6044 and Senate Bill S4421, which would renew and expand New York City's fare-free bus pilot program for one year. The original 5-route pilot — one free route per borough — is set to end without new state funding. A6044 and S4421 would expand the program to at least 15 routes at a capped cost of no more than $45 million. Both the Assembly and Senate included funding for this program in their budget proposals. The constituent asks that {{representative_name}} vote in favor of this legislation and champion the inclusion of the necessary appropriation in the final state budget, ensuring that expanded fare-free bus service continues for New York City riders who depend on it.
Voicemail Version
I am calling on behalf of {{first_name}} {{last_name}}, a constituent from {{city}}, {{state}} {{zip_code}}. The constituent is calling to urge support for Assembly Bill A6044 and Senate Bill S4421, which would renew and expand New York City's fare-free bus pilot from 5 routes to at least 15 routes for one year, at a cost of no more than $45 million. The current pilot is set to end without new state appropriations. The constituent asks that {{representative_name}} vote yes on this legislation and ensure the funding is included in the final state budget. You may contact me at {{phone_number}} to discuss further.