AUTHORITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
NFTA-Metro Transit Expansion Project Clears Major Milestone
Issuance of FTA’s Record of Decision Advances the Project
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BUFFALO, N.Y.- The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has issued the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and Record of Decision (ROD) for the NFTA-Metro Transit Expansion Project (the Project), marking the conclusion of the federal environmental review process and a major milestone in advancing the Project.
As part of the Project, NFTA-Metro is proposing to expand high-capacity transit service approximately seven (7) miles from the current terminus at the Metro Rail University Station on the University at Buffalo (UB) South Campus to Tonawanda and Amherst, NY, including connections to the UB North Campus. Through the environmental review process, a No Build Alternative and two Build Alternatives were analyzed, including a light-rail transit (LRT) extension and a bus rapid transit (BRT) line. Based on a comprehensive review of the environmental, social and economic impacts of the alternatives, NFTA-Metro has identified the LRT Build Alternative as the option that best satisfies the purpose and need for the Project, including the fastest travel time, highest ridership potential, and greatest economic impact compared to the other alternatives evaluated.
The LRT extension will provide fast, reliable, and convenient transit service, offering a “one-seat ride” between UB’s campuses and reducing traffic congestion by shifting automobile trips to transit. The project is expected to result in over 11 million fewer automobile miles traveled annually, improve regional transit system effectiveness, and support sustainable economic growth through increased transit-oriented development.
The FEIS documents the analysis of environmental, transportation, and community impacts associated with the Project and provides measures to mitigate potential adverse impacts where appropriate. The document also reflects input gathered throughout a multiyear public engagement effort, where community feedback was received through public meetings, hearings, and written comments, which helped shape the Project and inform mitigation strategies identified in the final document.
“Completing the final environmental impact statement marks a pivotal moment in bringing the Project vision closer to reality.” Said Kimberley Minkel, executive director, NFTA. “It’s an exciting step forward that will support economic growth and improve transportation for generations to come.”
The Project is intended to improve regional connectivity, provide new and enhanced transit access to key destinations, and support development goals while balancing environmental stewardship and community priorities.
With the conclusion of the federal environmental review process, the Project will continue through the remaining federal and local approval processes with construction, phasing, and funding strategies further refined as it advances toward implementation.
About the NFTA
The NFTA is a regional multi-modal transportation authority responsible for airport and surface transportation in Erie and Niagara counties. NFTA businesses include a bus, rail, and ADA paratransit system, two commercial airports, and transportation centers in Buffalo and Niagara Falls. In 2019, a J.D. Power study ranked Buffalo Niagara International Airport highest in customer satisfaction for medium sized airports in North America.
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