Union leader endorses Zohran Mamdani's proposed no-cost bus fare scheme at political event
Rebooted: Union Boss Backing Free Bus Plan of Democratic Socialist Mayoral Candidate
John Samuelsen, the bigwig of New York's transit workers union, is jumping on board the mayoral bid of democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani by championing his proposed fare-free bus program.
Samuelsen, the union president, emphasized that his attendance at a Mamdani rally over the weekend isn't an official endorsement—just a thumbs-up to the Astoria assemblyman's grand plan for gratis bus travel.
Yet, his presence at the event, attended by other high-profile supporters like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and state Sen. John Liu, raised some eyebrows.
"Zohran and I have been working together on the fare-free bus initiative. He's on the same page as the union on this," Samuelsen explained to The Post. "No more fares equals a brilliant future for transit. It'll spike ridership numbers and lend a hand to the economy."
Samuelsen, previously heading TWU Local 100 before ascending to national president, made it clear that eliminating bus fare quarrels would significantly decrease assaults on drivers.
However, it's the mayor, not Samuelsen, who sets transit policy. The fiscally responsible state-run Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) does that, but the mayor does appoint some members to the MTA board.
The governor, on the other hand, holds more power over the MTA, managing more appointments, including the chairman/CEO role.
Mamdani, in his campaign spiel, mentioned it'd setback at least $630 million annually to shell out the fare revenue earned from city bus commuters.
He intends to cover this shortfall by imposing a 2% tax hike on residents earning a million dollars or more per year. But, this would need approval from the state Legislature.
Mamdani's campaign estimates the proposed tax package could bring in $10 billion annually.
As of now, TWU Local 100 has held its cards close in the Democrat's mayoral primary race. In 2021, they endorsed Eric Adams, but Samuelsen admitted there's still support for him within Local 100 ranks.
Curiously, Adams, who secured the union's backing in the previous race, opted out of the primary and will run on an independent ballot line in November.
Insights
- A fare-free bus system promises increased mobility, reduced financial stress, and potential environmental benefits.
- If implemented successfully, it could lead to increased job opportunities for transit workers, including drivers and maintenance personnel.
- The MTA might face challenges in managing increased demand and maintaining infrastructure to accommodate a surge in ridership.
- Funding and financial planning will play crucial roles in ensuring the scheme's success, with options including increased taxes, government subsidies, or reallocation of existing funds.
- The union's support underscores workers' belief in the plan's potential to improve working conditions and job stability due to increased demand for services.
- The proposed fare-free bus plan by Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, endorsed by the transit workers union president John Samuelsen, aims to boost ridership numbers and provide a economic benefit.
- John Samuelsen, the president of New York's transit workers union, believes that the elimination of bus fares would not only reduce assaults on drivers but also reduce financial stress for commuters.
- The fare-free bus plan, if implemented, would require significant funding, which Mamdani plans to source through a 2% tax hike on residents earning a million dollars or more per year, subject to approval from the state Legislature.
- While John Samuelsen has expressed support for Zohran Mamdani's fare-free bus plan, it is the mayor, not the union president, who actually sets the transit policy within the city.
