Bailey Avenue Bus Rapid Transit
What is Bus Rapid Transit?
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a bus-based transit system that delivers efficient high frequency bus service along a dedicated corridor.
BRT systems deliver faster, high-quality, more reliable, safe, and cost-effective bus services and typically involve installation of dedicated bus lanes, off-board fare collection/level-boarding, bus priority at intersections, and more frequent buses. Depending on the extent of the features and amenities, BRT is often compared to light rail or other high-capacity and high-frequency transit systems.
Why Bailey Avenue?
Currently, over 100,000 residents reside in neighborhoods along or around Bailey Avenue. These neighborhoods are served by Route 19 - Bailey, which boasts some of the highest ridership in the system and connects to thirteen other fixed route bus lines and the Metro Rail light rail line.
798,000 people rode the 19 - Bailey in the 2024 fiscal year, and the route provides vital connections to major job centers like the University of Buffalo South Campus, Veterans' Hospital, and many local commercial and recreational centers along the corridor.
7.5mi
Bailey Avenue
corridor
2,000
riders a day
798,000
riders in 2024
How it will work
Introducing BRT to Bailey Avenue will involve installation of transit priority improvements like bus lanes, queue-jump lanes, and special traffic signals that reduce the wait time for buses at red lights (transit signal priority). BRT stations will feature larger shelters that include heating, extra seating, and other amenities.
Frequent service and fewer stop locations than local service will reduce overall travel times in the corridor. New low-emission buses will increase rider comfort and benefit air and environment quality in surrounding neighborhoods. NFTA is also working with the City of Buffalo to make pedestrian and streetscape improvements throughout the corridor.
Project funding totals $107m in all, comprised of $104m federal, $3M state, and $130k from other sources. The project is currently in the engineering stage with an anticipated completion date of late 2028 or early 2029.
Features
- 13 BRT stations, 8 mobility hubs, 33 upgraded signals
- Frequent, reliable high-capacity bus service
- Priority measures like bus lanes, queue jumps, and traffic signal improvements
- Comfortable, enhanced stations
- Modern, low or no-emission buses
- Roadway and streetscape upgrades to improve safety for all users
Stay Informed
Subscribe to the BRT newsletter through Metro Alerts to receive updates on this project. Questions and interest can be shared with NFTA-Metro Service Planning via email: planning@nfta.com.
Visit the project website to learn more: