Transit Titans Endorse Cuomo for NYC Mayor, Slam 'Free Bus' Plan as Fiscal Fantasy

New York City's transit landscape just got a seismic political shift. In a move that sends ripples through the upcoming mayoral election, the formidable Transit Workers Union Local 100 has officially thrown its considerable weight behind former Governor Andrew Cuomo's bid for City Hall. This powerful endorsement isn't just a nod; it’s a strategic declaration, coming hand-in-hand with a staunch rejection of Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani’s high-profile, yet controversial, 'free bus' proposal.

The union, representing over 40,000 transit workers across the city, has made its priorities crystal clear.

For Local 100, the choice of Cuomo is a vote for experienced leadership, a steady hand at the helm of an always-turbulent MTA, and a proven negotiator who understands the intricacies of large-scale infrastructure and labor relations. Sources close to the union suggest that members value Cuomo's pragmatic approach to governance, believing his history of navigating complex fiscal challenges makes him a more reliable advocate for stable funding, fair wages, and essential benefits – cornerstones of their members' livelihoods.

Contrast this with the outright dismissal of Mamdani's vision for a fare-free bus system.

While the concept of eliminating bus fares might sound appealingly populist, TWU Local 100 leaders have voiced grave concerns that cut to the very core of the system’s operational health and their members' economic security. The central question remains: who pays? The union fears that without a concrete, sustainable funding mechanism to replace billions in lost fare revenue, a 'free bus' system would inevitably lead to drastic cuts – cuts in service, cuts in maintenance, and most critically, cuts in worker compensation and benefits.

The specter of a fiscally unstable MTA, unable to adequately compensate its workforce or maintain its vital infrastructure, looms large in their decision-making process.

Union officials have underscored that their primary mission is to protect and advance the interests of their members. They see the 'free bus' plan as a potentially destabilizing force, risking a race to the bottom for transit workers who dedicate their lives to keeping New York moving.

The union’s leadership argues that proposals must be grounded in fiscal reality and guarantee the system's long-term sustainability, ensuring that New York's transit network can not only survive but thrive.

This dual announcement from TWU Local 100 is more than just an endorsement; it's a powerful statement on the future direction of New York City's transit.

It signals a clear preference for proven leadership over potentially disruptive, unfunded proposals, positioning Cuomo as a candidate who can deliver tangible results for workers and the transit system alike. As the mayoral race heats up, Local 100's decisive move is sure to ignite further debate on transit policy and the path forward for the city’s essential public transportation network.