DOT chief confronts implementation of mayoral campaign promise
Mike Flynn, transportation planning consultant and former city Department of Transportation employee, becomes NYC transportation commissioner under Mamdani. The appointment, announced January 1, 2026, positions Flynn to implement one of Mamdani’s most ambitious campaign promises: making NYC buses free.
Background and Transportation Vision
Flynn previously worked at DOT and has recent experience as a consultant for TYLin City Solutions, a transportation planning firm. His selection for commissioner suggests Mamdani intends to pursue aggressive transportation and mobility policy changes. The promise of free buses represents a major shift in transportation funding and use.
Free Bus Proposal Challenges
The promise of free bus service faces significant hurdles. First, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, not the city, operates buses. The MTA is a state agency controlled by the governor and state legislature. Making buses free requires MTA approval or state legislative action. Second, free buses would reduce fare revenue, currently roughly $4 billion annually across the MTA system. Replacing that revenue requires either subsidies or service cuts. Third, fare-free transit can increase ridership and reduce car usebeneficial for climate and equitybut requires operational planning to manage increased demand.
Implementation Strategy
Flynn must coordinate with the MTA, secure state legislative support for service funding, and plan for operational changes. This requires alignment between city and state, unlikely during an election year when the governor is reluctant to support Mamdani’s agenda. Flynn’s success depends on political pressure from constituencies benefiting from fare-free transit and willingness to escalate public conflict with Hochul.
Equity and Transit Justice
Free transit would benefit low-income riders disproportionately, as they spend a higher percentage of income on transit fares. The policy represents equity-oriented transportation justice. However, free transit only works if service levels are maintained. If free fares lead to service cuts, low-income riders suffer most.
Broader Mobility Strategy
Beyond buses, Flynn likely will pursue protected bike lanes, improved pedestrian infrastructure, and car restrictions in commercial areas. These align with Mamdani’s campaign vision of a city optimized for residents rather than cars. For transportation information, see the NYC Department of Transportation. Learn about transit justice at Tri-State Transportation Campaign. Read MTA reporting at Metro Transit Authority. Understand transportation equity via New York Metropolitan Transportation Council.
