Buffalo, NY . . .

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced that its Metro Bus and Rail division saw an increase of 1.2 million passenger boardings in 2010 when compared to 2009. Representing a 5 percent increase, it is the second largest one-year gain; surpassed only by an 8 percent increase in 2008.

Metro bus and rail combined had 27.3 million boardings in 2010, compared to 26 million in 2009. This represents the most boarding since 2008 when there were 28.2 million boardings, and is the second busiest year Metro has had in the past eight years.

"There are number of factors involved," said NFTA Commissioner Eunice A. Lewin, chairwoman of the Surface Transportation Committee. "The restructuring of Metro routes to provide more service in its core areas has begun to pay dividends. Additionally, more people are seeing public transportation as a way to reduce the cost of their commute in light of the almost daily increasing price of gas and by eliminating their parking fees."

As part of its recently applied Service Restructuring and Simplified Fare Plan, Metro streamlined its fare structure Sept. 1 by eliminating its four-zone system, and implementing a one-fare per boarding standard of $1.75 reducing the cost of a monthly system wide pass to $64, making Metro easier to use and less expensive to ride.

Further, the entire route system was restructured Oct. 31 by way of adjusting routes and rebalancing service levels, making the bus system more efficient and cost effective. Bus frequencies were increased on the heaviest used routes, and operated less frequently over lesser-used routes. In addition, Metro Rail Sunday service was increased to start earlier and run later.

Metro's Advantage program continues to be popular as a way to reduce transportation costs. Currently 103 organizations participate in this pre-tax arrangement that allows both employees and employers to save money. Employees pay for their monthly Metro pass using pre-tax dollars, saving approximately 30 percent each month. Money spent on pre-tax transit expenditures reduces an employer's obligations to federal and state income tax, some unemployment taxes, and FICA.

"We are seeing the positive effects of the changes we made in the fall, but we are far from finished. We are going to continue monitoring ridership on all of our routes and continue listening to our customers in an ongoing effort to ensure we are providing the most efficient public transit service possible," Lewin said.

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Kimberley A. Minkel to Lead Transportation Agency

Buffalo, NY . . .

The Board of Commissioners of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced today the selection of Kimberley A. Minkel as the agency's new Executive Director.

Minkel, 45, started at the NFTA in October 2002 as its Director of Health, Safety, and Environmental Quality. She has over 20 years of experience in the environmental and safety regulations business along with experience in compliance managing. She earned a bachelor of science degree from Niagara University in 1988 and an MBA with a concentration in management from Canisius College in 1995.

Henry M. Sloma, NFTA acting chairman said, "Today's unanimous vote by the Board speaks volumes about the confidence we have collectively regarding Kim's ability to lead this multifaceted agency. She is a person of integrity, who knows the inner workings of the NFTA, the community and has the necessary qualifications to move the agency forward."

As director of the authority's HSEQ department, she has worked to ensure the safety and protection of its workers, riders, the public and the environment. Recently, she oversaw the completion of an award winning environmental project for the Buffalo Niagara International Airport that uses wetland treatment technology for treating spent deicing fluid in storm water runoff. The BNIA is the first airport in the United States to use such a process. This project was awarded the Diamond Award in the Environmental Category by the NY branch of the American Council of Engineering Companies and a very prestigious Honor Award by the U.S. national ACEC.

"I am honored and humbled at being selected to be the new executive director. I am looking forward to working closely with our 1,500 dedicated employees to ensure that the NFTA is doing all we can to provide the highest quality and safest transportation services possible. I am also looking forward to meeting and getting to know more of our elected officials, and regional stakeholders to make certain that we are engaged at all levels going forward, Minkel said."

Minkel began her career in 1989 at Sevenson Environmental as the Health and Safety Manager, Data Information Manager, and Quality Assurance Officer. She was responsible for managing all field and laboratory data, initiating system audits, and conducted employee safety evaluations.

In 1992, she became Manager of Environmental, Health, and Safety for Washington Mills Electro Minerals Corp. Following this, in 1999 she became Manager of Industrial Hygiene and Environmental Compliance at Xerox Corporation. In both of these positions, she ensured compliance with federal, state, and local guidelines and managed employee accidents, including prevention, investigation, and behavior modification programs.

She is a member of many professional organizations, including Western New York Safety Advisory Committee and Who's Who of Professional Management. In the past, she served on the Board of Directors for the Peace Bridge Authority, the City of Niagara Falls N.F.B. Development Corporation and she is a 2007 graduate of Leadership Buffalo. She has also co-authored several papers dealing with innovative approaches for managing storm water runoff at airports.

Ms. Minkel resides in Lancaster with her husband and two children.

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The following committee meetings have been scheduled for the month of November 2010. All meetings will be held in the 6th floor Board Room at the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority located at 181 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY, unless otherwise indicated.

Please note each meeting scheduled on November 18th will be held in consecutive order, however, due to length of each meeting, specific time of each meeting may be delayed.

The subject of the special meeting will be to interview candidates for the Executive Director's position. It is the intention of the Board to discuss all matters in executive session.

Thursday, November 11 Special Board Meeting 8:30 a.m.

Thursday, November 18 Audit and Governance Committee 9:00 a.m.

Surface Transportation Committee 10:00 a.m.

Property Risk Management Committee 11:00 a.m.

Aviation Committee 11:30 a.m.

Monday, November 22 Board Meeting 12:30 p.m.

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WHO: Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Police Tactical Team, Erie County Emergency Services, TSA, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, Buffalo Police, FBI and Cheektowaga Police SWAT

WHAT: A simulated exercise involving defusing a suspected explosive device on a bus parked in the parking lot and a hostage situation inside the rail station

WHERE: Metro Rail LaSalle Station, 3040 Main St., Buffalo, NY

WHEN: Sunday, October 17, 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.

SPECIAL INFORMATION: Metro Rail service will have ended for the day prior to the start of the exercise.

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The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced that Phase II of Metro's Service Restructuring and Simplified Fare plan is on schedule to go into effect Sunday, Oct. 31 when changes to Metro routes and schedules will be implemented.

"Metro is adjusting routes and rebalancing service levels to make the whole bus and rail system more efficient and cost effective," said NFTA Commissioner Eunice A. Lewin. "This is necessary due to continued financial pressure on our budget, less available operating assistance and changes in riding patterns." The adjustments come after a thorough yearlong operational and financial evaluation of the entire Metro system.

Passengers can now see changes that have been made to routes and schedules as they are finalized by going online to nfta.com/metro. Each route is listed in a special section, showing the current level of service and what adjustments will be made as of Oct. 31. In addition, informational brochures will be available on buses, at Metro transportation centers and in rail stations.

The modifications are designed to improve service for Metro riders, however, a minority of riders will be impacted by some of the changes, though most of the higher ridership core routes, which carry a majority of Metro's passengers will have little change, except for adjustments to service levels. The goal is to have routes run at regular intervals of 15 minutes in certain areas and during peak ridership times, or every 30 or 60 minutes during the evening and weekends.

Buses will run more frequently over the heaviest used parts of a route, and less frequently over the lesser-used parts. Suburban service has been redesigned to be more efficient and easier to understand with some new route names and numbers and fewer confusing route and trip variations. Some route segments and two entire routes, #51 and #56, which have a history of low ridership will be discontinued. Express routes have also been revised to be more reflective of historical ridership patterns.

Metro Rail will increase Sunday service starting Oct. 31, as service hours will be expanded to operate from 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. at 20-minute intervals. There will be no change to weekday or Saturday service.

Lewin added, "Perfecting the restructuring of Metro's system will take some time. It is more of a process than an event. The process starts now, making the system financially stronger, more efficient, cost-effective and ultimately better for our riders."

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WHAT: A crisis management exercise involving a simulated aircraft accident at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. There will be no business interruption or visual impact inside the terminal.

WHERE: Access to the exercise will be from 247 Cayuga Rd., north entrance, behind the Airfield building, just outside Gate 4. Because this exercise takes place on the airfield, access will be limited.

WHEN: Saturday, September 18, 9:00 a.m. If you wish to cover this event, you need to be at Gate 4 by this time. Michael Martineck, NFTA Public Affairs, will be available to escort media.

SPECIAL INFORMATION: As part of the drill, emergency vehicles will be responding to the airport. They will NOT be responding with lights and sirens, but may turn on their lights once at the scene. The sight of emergency vehicles converging to the airport may concern people living in the neighborhood, using the facility or to those having family working at the airport.

It would be very helpful if you could inform the public in advance that this is a planned drill and there is no reason for concern.

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Buffalo, NY . . . The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority has launched a series of public information sessions to help the community fully understand Metro's new fare structure that goes into effect Sept. 1. Metro is eliminating zones, and zone charges, as well as moving from 12 different passes to two: the Metro Monthly pass and the Metro Day pass. Metro will have staff on hand to answer questions at the following times and places:

August 17 Old First Ward Community Center

10 a.m. - 1 p.m. 62 Republic Street

Buffalo, New York

August 20 University Rail Station, South Campus

2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Main Street

Buffalo, New York

August 23 Metropolitan Transportation Center

9 a.m. - 11 a.m. 181 Ellicott Street

Buffalo, New York

August 23 Niagara Falls Transportation Center

1 p.m. - 3 p.m. 2250 Factory Outlets Boulevard

Niagara Falls, New York

August 24 West Side Community Services

9 a.m. - 11 a.m. 161 Vermont Street

Buffalo, New York

August 25 Valley Community Center

10 a.m. - 1 p.m. South Park Avenue and Leddy

Buffalo, New York

August 26 Gloria J. Parks Community Center

1 p.m. - 3 p.m. 3242 Main Street

Buffalo, New York

August 27 LaSalle Rail Station

2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Main Street and LaSalle Avenue

Buffalo, New York

September 2 Tosh Collins Community Center

10 a.m. - 1 p.m. 35 Cazenovia Street

Recreation Department

Buffalo, New York

September 3 Allen/Medical Campus

2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Main Street and Allen Street

Buffalo, New York

A complete review of all of the service and fare changes can be viewed online at nfta.com.

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Buffalo, NY . . . The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced that Metro would provide service on the 36 Hamburg and 14 Abbott bus routes to the Erie County Fair & Exposition Wednesday, Aug. 11 through Sunday the 22.

On weekdays, Route 36 Hamburg buses depart for the Fair from Mohawk and Ellicott Streets, starting at 8:37 a.m. and approximately every hour thereafter with the last bus leaving at 9:43 p.m.Buses returning to Buffalo start departing the grounds at 10:11 a.m. and continue almost hourly up to 11:02 p.m. Buses stop at both McKinley Avenue and South Park entrances.

Saturdays, the first 36 Hamburg leaves downtown Buffalo at 9:15 a.m. The last bus leaves the fairgrounds for Buffalo at 9:30 p.m. Sunday service to the Fair starts at 11 a.m. with the last bus leaving the Fair at 9:50 p.m.

Additionally, the 14 Abbott bus would provide service to the Fair on Saturdays only, with three round trips serving only the McKinley Avenue entrance. The first 14 Abbott leaves downtown at 9:10 a.m. from Mohawk Street and Washington Street, with the last bus leaving at 1:10 p.m. Departing buses start at 10:03 a.m. with the last bus leaving the Fair at 2:02 p.m.

Metro fare to the fairground is $2.35 for adults and $1.05 for children five to 11 years old, senior citizens (65 & older) and the disabled with approved identification. Children four and under ride free with a fare-paying adult (limit three children with fare-paying adult.)

Rider Alerts listing the outbound schedule to the Fair will be posted on all buses and in Metro facilities.

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Buffalo, NY . . . The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced it has installed eight touch-screen information kiosks at strategic points throughout Buffalo Niagara to provide current information about NFTA services.

The stand-alone computer terminals provide online information about Metro bus and rail service, the Niagara Falls and Buffalo airports, the NFTA Boat Harbor, and even the NFTA itself. Job postings and other details regarding the Authority are right at the users fingertips. In addition, the kiosks provide access to the Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau and Niagara USA Web sites, giving users an easy, reliable overview of the region.

Lawrence M. Meckler, NFTA executive director said, "Our goal is to assist people who are looking for public transportation, and general tourist information, where and when they need it most. The kiosks will help keep people informed even when they don't have a laptop or smart phone handy."

The user-friendly kiosks are located at Metro's University Station, Portage Road Transportation Center, Niagara Falls Transportation Center, the Metropolitan Transportation Center and the Buffalo and Niagara Falls Airports.

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Buffalo, NY . . . The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced today that the Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to adopt recommended service adjustments and a simplified fare structure for Metro Bus and Rail in conjunction with its Service Restructuring and Fare Analysis/Strategic Assessment Study.

Over the past year, consultants from Transportation Management & Design, Inc., together with Metro's service planning department, conducted a comprehensive strategic assessment of how Metro delivers its service and conducted numerous public informational meetings and hearings to obtain suggestions from the community. The final recommendations reflect findings from the inclusive study and stakeholders' comments on how to make Metro easy and more efficient.

Eunice A. Lewin, NFTA commissioner and chairwoman of the Surface Transportation Committee said, "The service and fare analysis assessment is one of the most meaningful projects Metro has undertaken. When implemented, the restructuring of our service deliverables will offer more options to riders, an uncomplicated fare structure and improve overall operational efficiency, resulting in a more economically sustainable Metro system."

SIMPLIFIED FARE STRUCTURE

Changes to Metro's fare structure will take effect Sept. 1, 2010. The new simplified format maintains the current boarding fare at $1.75, eliminates fare zone charges and bus-to-bus transfers. As a result of eliminating the zones, the cost of a system-wide monthly pass will be reduced from $77 to $64. A system-wide Day pass will continue to be sold for $4.

The sale of bus tokens will cease Sept. 1, except to social service agencies, but will continue to be accepted through August 2013.

Paratransit fares will still be twice the adult cash fare, however, paratransit eligible riders will now be able to travel free on all of Metro's fixed route service. Further, the price of a system-wide PAL 10 and 20-trip pass will be reduced to $29 and $58 from $39 and $79.50 respectively.

In addition, reduced fares will continue to be offered to disabled and Medicare passengers with proper ID, senior citizens 65 and older and children 5-11 yrs. Children four and under ride free with a paying adult, limit three children per paying adult.

SERVICE MODIFICATIONS

The resolution also calls for the restructuring of various Metro routes and route segments to commence Oct. 31, 2010. The major points of change are:

- Reallocation of service to improve frequencies on 15 of Metro's most used routes, with service to operate at a minimum of every 15 minutes during the weekday

- Establish new or renamed and numbered suburban feeder routes

- Extended Metro Rail service on Sunday

- Discontinuance of three routes; 51 Military Summit, 56 River Rd. and the 207 Elmwood Circulator, in addition to segments of other routes, all of which have a history of very low ridership

- The current Paratransit service area and level of service, which is based on Metro's current fixed route system, will remain in effect for 12-months subsequent to any service changes that start Oct. 31

Also, staff has been directed to seek funding to implement another key study recommendation to initiate ridership estimation, basic feasibility and cost benefit analysis of three high level transit investment corridors: Airport/Broadway, Amherst/UB North Campus and Delaware Avenue/Elmwood Avenue emerged as viable candidates for future major transit investment. "The execution of these changes will simplify our Metro system, making it easier to use, thus increasing ridership opportunities for our customers and provide a more user-friendly public transportation system going forward," Lewin said.

A complete review of all of the service and fare changes will be available online at nfta.com/metro in mid-July.

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Buffalo, NY . . . The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced that a portion of Metro Rail service will be suspended on Thursday evenings starting June 10.

In anticipation of large crowds attending the popular Thursday at the Square concerts June 10 through August 12, Metro Rail service will be suspended in the immediate area of the concerts inbound between Lafayette Station and Church Street Station and outbound between Church Street Station and Fountain Plaza Station from approximately 7 to 9 p.m. on each of the 10 dates.

Lawrence M. Meckler, NFTA executive director said, "The Thursday concerts have become very popular, attracting large numbers of people and as a result, warrant precautionary measures. The safety of our customers, employees and the general public is our number one concern."

Metro will provide free shuttle bus service for its customers between Main Street at Church Street (Church Street Station) and Main Street at Chippewa Street (Fountain Plaza Station) where customers will be able to make a rail connection in each direction.

Regular rail service will operate between Erie Canal Harbor Station and Church Street Station and between Lafayette Station and University Station during the suspended periods.

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Buffalo, NY . . . The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced that it has erected a bus shelter in the LaSalle Center to accommodate passengers using its new Metro service into the plaza.

The placement of the new shelter coincides with Metro starting to serve the Walmart Supercenter in the LaSalle Center located at 1540 Military Rd. in Niagara Falls as of April 16.

Metro's Route 55, Pine Avenue bus has been rerouted to directly operate to the Walmart store parking lot via the main plaza entrance driveway and exit the parking lot to Niagara Falls Blvd., via 80th Street.

Presently the 55 bus has 68 weekday, 25 Saturday and 19 Sunday trips to the Walmart site to accommodate employees and customers.

Metro schedules and route maps can be found at nfta.com/metro, in addition to a Metro Trip Planner that helps customers plan their trips using the Metro system.

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Click to download high resolution photograph

Pictured: NFTA Acting Chairman Henry M. Sloma; Walmart Assistant Manager Kathy Denny; NFTA Executive Director Lawrence M. Meckler; Local NAACP representative Michael Majors; Director of Surface Transportation Walter D. Zmuda; NFTA Commissioner Eunice A. Lewin.

Buffalo, NY… The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority will host a luncheon at the Protocol Restaurant in Williamsville, Sunday, May 16 at 1 p.m., to recognize the outstanding safety records of Metro vehicle maintenance workers and Bus and Rail operators. In additional, the Authority will salute employees who reached 25-years with the NFTA.

This year seven operators will be recognized for more than 30-years of safe driving. Fourteen Metro Bus and Rail operators and five maintenance employees will be congratulated for either a 10, 20 or 30-year safety record. In addition, 57 NFTA employees will celebrate a silver anniversary.

Acting NFTA Chairman, Henry M. Sloma said, "These men and women have dedicated a quarter-century to helping the people of Western New York get to work, school, church, a doctor's appointment or visit loved-ones. It is an honorable achievement in an honorable profession."

Lawrence M. Meckler, executive director of the NFTA said, "There is no way to understate the importance of safety in this business, so it is a pleasure to thank the men and women who have been able to maintain such incredible safety records."

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Note . . .. Awards presentation is scheduled to begin at approximately 2 p.m., but interview opportunities will be available at any time after 1 p.m.

Buffalo, NY . . . The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced that Metro will once again provide complementary trolley service for guests staying at participating Niagara Falls motels and hotels beginning Friday, May 14. The 55T trolley bus will travel between the Niagara Falls Airport and downtown Niagara Falls, serving Niagara Falls Boulevard and Pine Avenue.

Service will operate weekends only May 14 - May 31 and October 1-11, including Memorial Day and Columbus Day, and expand to seven days a week from June 1 - Sept. 30. Service will operate 9 a.m. until midnight.

Lawrence M. Meckler, NFTA executive director said, "This is a great opportunity for the men and women at Metro to show off the quality, economical transportation we provide here every day, to visitors from around the world."

Patrons will receive their trolley Day Passes upon request at participating motels and hotels. The 2010 trolley passes will be sequentially numbered in the upper right hand corner. The pass, supported by the local bed tax, allows pass holders free access to the trolley service, and the entire Metro Bus and Rail system in Niagara and Erie counties, on the date the pass is validated by the Metro operator.

Individuals without a trolley Day Pass may ride the service by paying Metro's regular adult fare of $1.75, 75-cents for children (five to 11 years), seniors (65 years and over), disabled and Medicare clients with valid I.D. All other valid Metro passes are accepted as well. Exact change is required on trolleys and buses.

The trolley service operates on the hour, starting at 9 a.m., with the last trolleys leaving the Niagara Falls Airport and The Aquarium of Niagara at midnight. Special Route 55T trolley stop signs along the route indicate where riders can board a trolley.

In downtown Niagara Falls, the 55T trolley stops are located at The Aquarium of Niagara, Rainbow Blvd. and Michael O'Laughlin Drive, Rainbow Blvd. and Main Street and near the Seneca Niagara Casino at Third Street and Old Falls Street.

In addition, stops are located at the City Market on Pine Avenue and 17th Street, the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls, The Summit, several motels along Niagara Falls Boulevard and the Como Restaurant in Little Italy on Pine Avenue and 22nd Street.

All Metro route maps and schedules can be found online at nfta.com/metro, including trolley maps and schedules.

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The NFTA-Boat Harbor at 1111 Fuhrmann Blvd., less then three miles from Downtown Buffalo will open the 2010 season Saturday, May 1 to accommodate slip holders and boaters who want to get an early start at docking or launching their boats at the marina. This is the first time that the facilities have ever been able to open prior to the traditional May 15 opening.

Peter G. Demakos, NFTA commissioner and chairman of the NFTA's Property Committee said, "As a result of Mother Nature providing us with a stretch of nice weather and the dedication and hard work of our employees, we are able to give our customers a head start on the boating season this year."

During the off-season, refurbishing work was completed on A, B, C, D, part of G, and H docks, completing a $726,381 two-year project to upgrade all 339 steel docks. Further, the main pier has been rebuilt. During the winter an additional $130,000 was invested to reinforce the structure with new pilings and it has been given a face-lift by way of new decking. Parking in the marina's main lot was increased to 200 with the addition of 40 new spaces.

Two mainstays at the marina, Dug's Dive and Bill's Boat Works will also be opening May 1, and will be ready to serve customers fine food and beverage and provide boating services respectively.

An added customer service this season will be provided to boaters who want to file a float plan. Boat captains leaving the marina for one or more days/nights (not necessary for short trips) may file a float plan with the dock master before casting off. This form is available online at www.nftaboatharbor.com or the dock office. Having this information on hand may prove valuable in the event an emergency occurs.

Though rentals for the 2010 season are well a head of last year, there are still slips available to rent for this boating season. Slip rental information can be obtained at 828-0027 and online at nftaboatharbor.com.

Buffalo, NY . . . The Buffalo Niagara International Airport is hosting the 44 Annual Snow Symposium April 24-28 at the downtown Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. Organizers expect almost 350 airport professionals, responsible for runway operations from around the world.

Lawrence M. Meckler, NFTA executive director, will open the conference, highlighting the economic and safety concerns that make snow, slush and ice mitigation so significant, and the importance of successful strategies.

Meckler said, "A snowstorm can cost a major airport more than a quarter of a million dollars in removal alone. The cost of delays compounds that number. None of which compares to the potential safety risks ice and snow can create. The chance for the snow removal teams from around the world to exchange ideas and best practices is invaluable."

This year's featured speaker is Captain Al Haynes. Haynes was born in Paris, Texas and raised in Dallas. He attended Texas A&M College before joining the Naval Aviation Cadet Training program in 1952. He was released from the service in 1956 after serving as a Marine Aviator. He joined United Airlines that year as a flight engineer and served in that capacity until his promotion to first officer in 1963. He flew the DC-6, DC-7, DC-8, Boeing 727, and DC-10. He was promoted to captain in 1985 and flew the Boeing 727 and DC-10 up to his retirement in August 1991, accumulating over 27,000 hours of flight time.

This is the 25 consecutive year the symposium is being hosted by the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. Event chairman, Thomas Dames said, "The site selection committee continues to be impressed with Buffalo. The Convention and Visitors Bureau, the area hotels and the NFTA all work together to create an inviting atmosphere for the guests."

The feature event of the symposium is the Balchen/Post Awards, which are given to airport snow-control teams that have demonstrated determination and excellence in keeping their respective airport runways open and safe during winter storms.

The Northeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives organizes the event. Chairman Dames can be reached at 512-0564 during the event. Additional information can be found at www.snowsymposium.org/cfiles/home.php.

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Buffalo, NY . . . The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced that starting Friday, April 16, Metro will begin serving the Walmart Supercenter in the LaSalle Center located at 1540 Military Rd. in Niagara Falls.

Metro's Route 55, Pine Avenue bus will be rerouted to directly operate to the Walmart store parking lot via the main plaza entrance driveway and exit the parking lot to Niagara Falls Blvd., via 80th Street.

Presently the 55 bus has 68 weekday, 25 Saturday and 19 Sunday trips to the Walmart site to accommodate employees and customers.

Metro schedules and route maps can be found at nfta.com/metro, in addition to a Metro Trip Planner that helps customers plan their trips using the Metro system.

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Buffalo, NY . . . The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced that starting Monday, March 15 food items will be available for sale at various Metro Rail stations. Johnnyуs Hot Diggity Dogs of Buffalo will operate vending carts at University, LaSalle, Utica and Allen-Medical Campus Metro Rail stations from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. They will also be on-site during downtown events such as Sabres and Bisons games, in addition to other special community events. Eunice A. Lewin, NFTA commissioner said, Ñ€Our desire is to elevate the overall experience our customers encounter when using Metro. Having customer amenities like food and beverage on site will improve the overall atmosphere at the stations and make them more user friendly.Ñ Customers will be able to purchase hot dogs, Polish and Italian sausage, hamburgers, bags of snacks and cold beverages while at the station. Metroуs policy of no eating or drinking when using the bus or rail system remains in effect.

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Buffalo, NY . . . The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced that four public informational meetings have been scheduled in conjunction with Metroуs Service Restructuring and Fare Analysis/Strategic Assessment Study.

The public is invited to attend the meetings to learn the details contained in a draft report prepared by consultants from Transportation Management & Design, Inc. The firm was commissioned to conduct a comprehensive strategic assessment of how Metro delivers its service and recommend ways to better meet the mobility needs of the region, thus making it easier to access jobs, schools, entertainment, medical and social services using Metro.

Lawrence M. Meckler, NFTA executive director said, рThis service and fare analysis is one of the most significant projects Metro has undertaken. These informational meetings will provide our riders with an opportunity to learn and offer comments regarding the proposed service modifications and simplified fare structure.

Public informational meetings will be conducted from 6-8 p.m. Monday, March 15 at the Cheektowaga High School, 3600 Union Rd; Tuesday, March 16 at Erie Community College, City Campus Auditorium at Ellicott and South Division Streets and Wednesday, March 17 at Metroуs Portage Rd. Transit Center, 1124 Portage Rd., Niagara Falls. In addition, a meeting will be held at Erie Community College, South Campus Thursday, March 18 in Building 5, Room 5102 from 7-9 p.m.

The draft plan can be viewed online on the NFTAуs Web site at nfta.com/metro. In addition to comments offered at the meetings, written comments may be sent to the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, Robert Gower, Manager of Planning, 181 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY 14203 or e-mailed to transitstudy@nfta.com. Comments must be received by April 2 to be included in the final analysis.

Additional public meetings will be conducted this summer to rollout the final Metro service and fare structure program to riders and community stakeholders prior to its implementation in September.

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Buffalo, NY . . . Friday, Feb. 12, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Metro Rail will host a Valentine's Day Celebration at the LaSalle Metro Rail Station, on Main St. one block north east of Hertel Avenue. A popular Park & Ride, parking is always free at LaSalle station. Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Commissioner Eunice A. Lewin said, "Metro wants to make this a new tradition in the neighborhood and keep the LaSalle Station active in the University District." This Celebration at the Station will feature flowers, candy, jams, jellies, crafts and more, just in time for Valentine's Day. Music will be courtesy of WUFO - 1080 AM, broadcasting live.

With free parking for over 700 cars, LaSalle is a convenient place to catch Metro Rail when heading downtown for a sporting event at HSBC Arena, an evening at the theatre or for dinner.

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Buffalo, NY . . . The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced that the hospitality ambassadors at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport will celebrate their 10th anniversary Wednesday, Feb. 3 during a 1 p.m. luncheon at the Hearthstone Manor in Cheektowaga, NY.

Approximately 70 volunteers ranging in age from 16 to 80, act as regional "goodwill ambassadors" by providing friendly assistance and helpful information to passengers and guests of the BNIA. The ambassadors, clad in their distinctive blue blazers, assist with directions to local and regional attractions, lodging details, information regarding public transit and in general, act as "liaisons" of goodwill for the region.

Lawrence M. Meckler, NFTA executive director said, "Our ambassadors are one of the reasons why our airport is deemed to be so user friendly. While the design of the airport has won awards, in the final analysis, it is our people who create the positive difference in the operation. The ambassadors have become essential in our efforts to be one of the best airports in the country."

While many airports have volunteer programs, the Buffalo airport ranks in the top 10 for number of hours volunteered. This past year 7,150 hours of volunteered service were provided, which has an economic value of approximately $105,000. As such, each volunteer who qualifies will be awarded a President's Volunteer Award from the Points of Light Institute as part of the national program recognizing and celebrating the importance of volunteer service.

In commemoration of the 10-year anniversary, former ambassadors have been invited to attend the luncheon. Of the "original" six who began in 1999, four still participate in the program.

Edward J. Healy, V.P., Marketing for the Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau will be giving an overview of CVB operations and speaking about upcoming events. "The ambassadors play a key role in welcoming individuals and groups to the region and help create a dynamic first impression for visitors to the region," Healy said.

The ambassadors are committed to ensuring that a visitor's first impression of our community is positive. "You only get one chance to create a good first impression, so we'd better get it right on the first try," Meckler added.

Individuals interested in becoming a BNIA hospitality ambassador volunteer can contact Bev Halligan at 630-6072 Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. or online at Beverly_Halligan@nfta.com. -30-

Buffalo, NY . . . The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced that Metro Rail will extend service an additional two hours Thursday, Dec. 31, to accommodate passengers attending the Annual New Year's Eve Ball Drop at Roosevelt Square and the downtown First Night Buffalo celebration.

Train service will run continuously, making stops at all stations during the extended service period. Trains will be on 20 minute intervals, with special trains intermingled as needed. It may be necessary to suspend service for a time due to the anticipated large crowd that gathers near the track bed in front of Roosevelt Square.

The last train is scheduled to leave Erie Canal Harbor Station heading outbound to University Station at 2 a.m. Friday, New Year's Day following the events.

All Metro bus and rail schedules are available at www.nfta.com/metro, in addition to a trip planner that assists customers in determining which Metro routes to use to reach a specific destination.

History will be made today when Direct Air's MD-83 aircraft operated by Falcon Air departs the new terminal at 6:15 pm destined for Punta Gorda/Ft. Myers, Fla. with all 155 seats occupied. The first flight to Myrtle Beach, SC departs shortly thereafter at 6:30 p.m. on a USA Jet DC-9.

Henry M. Sloma, NFTA acting chairman said, "This is truly a memorable day for the Niagara community, the airport, and Direct Air. Today's initial flight signifies the beginning of a bright future for the terminal and provides a gateway landmark in which we can all take great pride."

"We are confident the new facility will enhance the exceptional service we provide to the thousands of passengers from the U.S. and Canada to Myrtle Beach, Ft Myers / Punta Gorda, and soon to be ... Melbourne, Fla.," said Direct Air Managing Partner Ed Warneck. "We look forward to strengthening our relationship with the Niagara community as well as increasing frequency and additional destinations to and from the Niagara Falls International Airport."

"The new facility conveniences and state of the art processing will greatly appeal to our passengers," said Judy Tull, Direct Air Managing Partner. "We are extremely pleased to have played a vital role and influence in the development and launch of the new Niagara Falls International Airport."

The airport's two-gate facility provides for efficient, customer oriented passenger processing, curbside check-in, a two level layout for jet bridge boarding, free Wi-Fi, food and beverage concessions, convenient free on-site parking, a federal inspection station, in-line baggage screening, eight stationary ticket counter stations, ATM, tourist information counter, car rental and a Metro transit center, for convenient access to public transportation.

The NFIA is now capable of simultaneously processing international and domestic flights and fully accommodating 747 and 757 aircraft. The innovative, and scalable, split-level holdrooms provide all passengers with an outstanding level of customer service regardless of aircraft size.

To help celebrate this special occasion, 23 dignitaries and media staff from Myrtle Beach traveled on the last flight to the old terminal in Niagara Falls. A special luncheon hosted by NFIA welcomed the invited guests.

"Direct Air is taking advantage of this opportunity to introduce the communities to each other and follow up with strategic marketing summits designed to share ideas and opportunities to help grow their markets," Warneck said. "The same group from Myrtle Beach will take a quick jaunt to see the magnificent Falls, before boarding the first flight to Myrtle Beach."

Direct Air commenced service at the NFIA in March 2007 with nonstop service to Myrtle Beach. During the past two and a half years, featuring low fare nonstop service to Myrtle Beach and Florida, the airline has attracted over 90,000 passengers to the Niagara Falls terminal, a large percentage coming from Canada, who are attracted by low fares, an easy access airport and savings with international fees for Canadian travelers.

Direct Air presently operates flights Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday to Punta Gorda/Ft. Myers and increases to daily service except Tuesdays beginning February 2010.

Managing Partner, Judy Tull said, "Our marketing budget has limited our growth to Myrtle Beach, however, our goal for 2010 is encouraging the communities to help find marketing funds to allow us to increase to daily frequency. We know the audience is there, we simply need to reach them through targeted advertising." Complete information regarding Myrtle Beach flights can be found at www.visitdirectair.com.

Beginning Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, Direct Air will add a new route and begin twice weekly flights from the NFIA to Melbourne International Airport and then continue on to Port Charlotte Airport in Punta Gorda/Ft Myers. These flights will operate on Falcon Air MD-83, 155 passenger aircraft configured with 12 first class and 143 coach seating.

Staring Sunday, Dec. 27, Metro buses will begin serving the terminal's transit center with daily bus service via Routes 55 and 56, in addition to Monday through Friday coverage via MetroLink Route 200. Metro bus routes, maps and additional information can be found at www.nfta.com/metro.

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Buffalo, NY . . . The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced that Friday, Dec. 18, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Metro Rail will host its first Holiday Celebration at the LaSalle Metro Rail Station, on Main St. one block north east of Hertel Avenue. A popular Park & Ride, parking is always free at LaSalle station.

NFTA Commissioner Eunice A. Lewin said, "The holidays are a great time to invite people in. LaSalle Station is a part of this community, but we're working to make it a bigger and better part."

The Celebration at the Station will feature a holiday market for that perfect last minute gift or maybe a treat for yourself. Visit with Santa and his elves, noon to 2:30 p.m., and enjoy the sounds of the season during the WUFO - 1080 AM, live broadcast.

With free parking for over 700 cars, LaSalle is a convenient place to catch Metro Rail when heading downtown for a sporting event at HSBC Arena, an evening at the theatre or for dinner.

Visit Metro's Web site at nfta.com for additional information.

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Buffalo, NY . . . The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced that it will be necessary to suspend Metro Rail service between Fountain Plaza Station and Church Street Station for a portion of the day Wednesday and Thursday Dec. 16 and 17, with Friday being a possible alternate date.

As a result of scenes for the movie Henry's Crime, starring Keanu Reeves being filmed in Metro Rail's track bed at Main and Huron Sts., service will be suspended between the two stations each day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Shuttle service will be provided to take passengers to the next station both inbound and outbound each day.

Trains will operate in both directions between Erie Canal Harbor Station and Church Street Station and from University Station to Fountain Plaza Station. As a result of the logistics involved, it is necessary to adjust the time between trains from 12 minutes to approximately 20 minutes during the 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. period.

Regular rail service will be provided before and after the suspension period each day.

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