Enacts the Make Transit Affordable Act; provides fare-free bus pilot program in New York City

S 4421, the "Make Transit Affordable Act," creates a one-year fare-free bus pilot program in New York City, funded by $45 million in state funds. It requires the MTA to establish at least 15 new fare-free bus routes across all five boroughs, prioritizing routes serving low-income communities, areas with high ridership, and routes facing safety concerns. The bill also allocates $160 million annually to prevent a planned 4% subway and bus fare increase. The program mandates regular reporting on ridership, safety metrics, and rider surveys to evaluate impact, with routes selected to improve access for residents facing transportation cost barriers.