During the final day of the Somos conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Gov. Kathy Hochul threw cold water on one of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s key policy proposals: free MTA bus rides.

“I cannot set forth a plan right now that takes money out of a system that relies on the fares of the buses and the subways. But can we find a path to make it more affordable for people who need help? Of course, we can,” Hochul said during a press conference with reporters, referencing her prior deals with the MTA to provide billions for the authority’s next capital plan, as well as other investments like cameras on subway cars.

Hochul said she’s also looking at expanding a universal childcare program statewide — but the total price tag is $15 billion.

“Child care I already committed to,” she said. “I’m

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