Sources tell NY1 that state leaders are close to making a deal that could make 10 bus routes across the city free of charge.

Under a funding agreement that’s close to being hammered out by the governor and leaders of the state legislature, buses along two routes in each borough would not charge riders a fare.

The specific routes haven’t been identified yet.

The program would first start in the Bronx and then expand across the city.

The pilot program has been championed by progressive groups and lawmakers, including Mayor Eric Adams.

A source tells NY1 that the mass-transit budget deal would also include a lump sum payment from the state to help fill the MTA’s growing budget gap.

The source added that an earlier proposal from the governor, requiring the city to contribute $500 million each year to the beleaguered agency, is now off the table.

The deal would also include a payroll tax for New York City-based companies.

Hochul had initially proposed a payroll tax for all employers in the metropolitan region that was part of MTA’s coverage area.

The negotiations come as Hochul announced Thursday that the subway had its highest daily ridership since the COVID pandemic hit the city in March 2020.

While more than 4 million rides were paid for on Thursday, daily weekly subway ridership was above 5.5 million.